Titanenstrijd 1708 - 1779

Editor: So this is Honoré Coussin's "Titanenstrijd," which roughly translates to "The War of the Titans." It's an etching, engraving, and print made sometime between 1708 and 1779. The chaos really jumps out at me. All these bodies intertwined... What do you see in this work? Curator: The baroque energy of this piece is undeniable. But, what resonates most deeply with me is the depiction of the Titanomachy as more than just a mythological battle. Considering the time period it was created, the drawing acts as a critical commentary on power struggles. These titans, in their raw, almost animalistic fight, represent the oppressed rising against the established order, right? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. I was just thinking about the drama. Do you see it as a metaphor for something specific? Curator: Potentially for numerous contemporary struggles, including those against monarchical power and even colonial oppression. Coussin gives visual form to the messy, often violent, process of revolution, where old powers clash with emergent forces. Look at how some figures appear trapped, crushed under the weight of others. This hints at the sacrifices inherent in any revolutionary moment, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I suppose I was mostly reacting to the Baroque style, but I can now see your point, and it helps to contextualize it and link it to struggles of its time. So, the composition isn't just dramatic—it's also making a statement? Curator: Exactly. Coussin challenges us to contemplate the human cost of progress and to consider who benefits and who is sacrificed in the pursuit of a new order. I will also admit the inscription on the right could provide more hints of its origin but I can't quite make it out. What a wild work of art. Editor: This gives me a totally different perspective. I’m glad I asked!