Five German Soldiers

Daniel Hopfer likely invented the art of etching on paper, adapting it from the long-standing process of decorating arms and armor with acid to etch patterns into steel. The Landsknechte seen here wear minimal armor, just a mail cape (bishop’s mantle), but sport massive swords. They assume various infantry roles, including standard bearer, drummer, fife player, and halberdier. This is the largest of Hopfer’s three etchings of this popular genre subject.