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17th Century Drawing by Jacob de Gheyn II (Dutch, c. 1565 - 1629) Entitled "Soldier Blowing Gunpowder From His Musket" from a series of preparatory drawings for Jacques de Gheyn lavishly illustrated book "The Exercise of Arms" or "The Arms Handling of Roers, Muskets and Spies" published in 1607 | Pen & Brown Ink on laid paper | Dated 1596 - 1606 | Series Weapon handling of Musquetten entitled Soldier blowing gunpowder from his musket (print of the drawing is no. 20 of ), ca. 1600 | Matted; Framed under archival glass | Jacob de Gheyn II (Dutch, c. 1565 - 1629) was born in Antwerp, was a draughtsman, engraver and painter. Originally taught by his father, in 1585 he was apprenticed to Hendrick Goltzius in Haarlem. De Gheyn's work marks the transition from late 16th-century Mannerism to the more naturalistic style of the early 17th century. From 1596 to 1602, De Gheyn lived in Leiden, where he worked with humanist Hugo de Groot (Grotius). The latter supplied texts for De Gheyn's engravings. In 1605, he moved to The Hague, where he remained the rest of his life. An admirer of his work was Stadholder Prince Maurice, who commissioned numerous works. De Gheyn also worked for the prince's successor Frederick Henry. His drawings and engravings are of greater importance than his paintings, admired for their spontaneity and informality, considered outstanding documents of the period of transition from Mannerism to naturalism in Dutch art. His son, Jacques de Gheyn III, was De Gheyn II's principal follower who also created drawings and engravings after his father. The "Excercise of Arms" was widely regarded as the most militarily important illustrated manual of the early 17th century. Issued under the auspices of Maurice, Prince of Orange (1567 - 1625) during the Dutch rebellion against Spain, the book is an important record of military tactics and equipment during this time. Although it contained explanatory text, the work was chiefly valued for its 117 copper engravings, demonstrating in precise detail the stages and positions of fighting with arquebus, musket, and pike.