Twee Romeinse soldaten 1676 - 1740

"Twee Romeinse soldaten" (Two Roman Soldiers) is an etching by Italian artist Antonio Balestra, dating from 1676 to 1740. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a dramatic scene of a battle. One soldier stands tall, his spear pointed, while the other lies on the ground, defeated. The detailed drawing style characteristic of Balestra is evident in the intricate depiction of the soldiers' armor and the surrounding landscape. The composition, with its focus on the contrasting stances of the two figures, creates a powerful sense of narrative and historical significance. This etching showcases Balestra's mastery of classical subject matter and his ability to capture the intensity of battle.