Slag bij Rocourt, 1746 1746 - 1748

This is an etching by Jean Baptiste Guélard, depicting the Battle of Rocourt in 1746. The organized and regimented rows of soldiers evoke a sense of order and control. The symbol of the phalanx, lines of infantry formations, hearkens back to ancient Greek warfare, embodying discipline and collective strength. We see these themes repeated in various contexts, from Renaissance military treatises to modern political rallies. It shows an enduring human fascination with organized force. The act of lining up soldiers evokes a primal, almost subconscious response. Perhaps this is a desire for order and security in the face of chaos. The repeating forms of the soldiers creates a powerful visual rhythm, engaging viewers on a visceral level. The iconography of massed soldiers has resurfaced throughout history, evolving in meaning and adapting to new cultural contexts, reminding us that symbols never truly die; they are merely transformed.