Milites Requiescentes (Soldiers at Rest)
1556
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1556
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Milites Requiescentes (Soldiers at Rest) is a 1556 ink by Lucas van Doetechum, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a busy forest scene with soldiers resting under a big tree. In the foreground, some men are sitting, talking, or sleeping on the ground. Others stand or walk around, while a few figures are gathered near a small fire. Farther back, you can see a village, a river, and distant hills with castles or ruins. The title *Milites Requiescentes* means "Soldiers at Rest," but the scene is packed with tiny details—like the village, the river, and the far-off buildings—that hint at a bigger story. The artist used lines to create depth, making the scene feel alive despite being black and white. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
Lucas van Doetechum (1501–1579) was an artist, born in Deventer.
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