Arkivism
Soldier on guard covering the pan of his musket with two fingers to prevent sparks
Public domain

Soldier on guard covering the pan of his musket with two fingers to prevent sparks

c. 1597 - 1607 · engraving; hand coloring; paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

A soldier on guard, full-length, facing right, holding a matchlock (a specific type of firearm) in his left hand. On the cock (part of the firing mechanism) of his matchlock lies the burning match. With his index and middle finger of his right hand, he covers the pan (the powder reservoir) of his matchlock to protect the powder from sparks of the match. This print is part of the series of 42 hand-numbered prints of matchlockmen in the Wapenhandelinghe. On this copy, the number is printed.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
printfirearms: rifleTachtigjarige Oorlog
Credit lineSoldaat op wacht die de pan van zijn roer met twee vingers bedekt tegen vonken. c. 1597 - 1607. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
Open in Explore View at source

Similar works

Guard soldier holding his musket with his right hand angled upward at his side, his finger on the triggerGuard soldier holding his musket with his right hand angled upward at his side, his finger on the trigger Guard soldier with a musket bringing his match to his mouth to blow it cleanGuard soldier with a musket bringing his match to his mouth to blow it clean Soldier pouring powder into the pan of his musketSoldier pouring powder into the pan of his musket Soldier blowing on the match and covering the pan with his fingersSoldier blowing on the match and covering the pan with his fingers Soldier blowing powder from his musketSoldier blowing powder from his musket Soldier closing the pan of his musketSoldier closing the pan of his musket