Who painted Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver?

Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver was painted by Jacques de Gheyn II in 1597.

Where can I see Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver?

Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver?

Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver

Jacques de Gheyn II , 1597

Elegantly Dressed Soldier Preparing to Fire His Caliver is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Jacques de Gheyn II. It dates from 1597 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacques de Gheyn II’s pen drawing, executed around 1597, depicts a soldier poised to discharge a caliver. Rendered with brown ink and a gray wash on laid paper, the work measures the meticulous observation typical of late‑sixteenth‑century military illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is dressed in elaborate attire, combining ornate armor with richly patterned garments. This juxtaposition highlights the dual role of the soldier as both a combatant and a courtly presence, reflecting contemporary notions of martial elegance.

Technique & Style

De Gheyn employs fine brown ink lines to define the soldier’s silhouette, while a subtle gray wash adds depth to folds and metal surfaces. The laid paper’s texture contributes to a tactile quality, emphasizing the intricate details of the costume and weaponry.

History & Provenance

Created near the end of the Dutch Golden Age, the drawing is part of de Gheyn’s broader oeuvre documenting arms and armor. It has remained in institutional collections, serving as a reference for scholars of period military dress.