The chap in the voluminous breeches shown here is far removed from today’s riflemen as far as combat uniform is concerned.
However, he, like the other 116 coloured engraved plates that make up a 1608, first Dutch edition of Jacob de Gheyn’s Wapenhandelinghe van roers, musquetten ende spiessen is nevertheless providing instructions in handling pikes and muskets.
Standardised commands for drill masters, as well as step-by-step guidance for using arms are also featured in the plates.