Marcus Valerius stormer samnitternes lejr 1574

Tobias Stimmer created this woodcut titled 'Marcus Valerius Storming the Camp of the Samnites.' Stimmer, working in the 16th century, lived during a time of religious reformation and social upheaval, influences that can be seen in the artwork. The image depicts a scene of intense battle, filled with soldiers and horses clashing violently. The level of detail is remarkable, especially when you consider the small size of the work. Stimmer masterfully uses the stark contrast of black and white to convey the chaos and brutality of warfare. It is important to consider the historical context in which Stimmer was working. As a Swiss artist during the Reformation, the themes of conflict and struggle were ever-present. How does Stimmer portray the soldiers? What are the implications of depicting violence and warfare at a time of religious conflict? This woodcut encourages us to consider the ways in which art reflects, and sometimes challenges, the social and political realities of its time, while also tapping into timeless aspects of human experience.