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Discovery of the Criminal Soldiers

Gerrit van Schagen

1642

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory Hunting

Dominant colour

Discovery of the Criminal Soldiers is a 1642 ink by Gerrit van Schagen, a Baroque work, depicting Hunting, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Gerrit van Schagen
When & what style?: 1642 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows soldiers in a dim room, their faces lit by a single candle. One kneels with a bandaged head. Another holds a paper that looks like a pardon. The scene feels tense. The artist used sharp lines to make shadows deep. The candlelight isn’t just light—it’s a spotlight on the soldiers’ secrets. Compare this to Rembrandt’s etchings. They both play with light and mood.