Slag bij Tienen, 1576 1613 - 1615

This is an anonymous engraving of the Battle of Tienen from 1576. At first glance, the composition seems chaotic, dominated by the frenetic energy of clashing soldiers. A closer look, however, reveals a carefully structured arrangement. The landscape is divided into distinct horizontal bands, with the foreground filled with the immediate violence of battle, a middle ground showing the advancement of troops, and a distant background offering a panoramic view of the surrounding towns. The lines of the soldiers, their spears, and the very contours of the land all contribute to a sense of dynamic movement, drawing the eye across the scene. This linear perspective, although somewhat crude, serves to create depth and to organize the multitude of figures within the frame. The use of contrasting dark lines against the light paper heightens the drama. Here, the form destabilizes any heroic narrative, presenting war as a disorganized, sprawling event. The formal qualities of the print thus underscore a broader commentary on conflict and the human condition.