Strijd tussen de Centauren en Lapithen op de bruiloft van Perithoüs en Hippodamea 1638 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop made this pen and brown ink drawing of the battle between the Lapiths and Centaurs in the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. This mythological scene, often represented in art, depicts the chaotic clash between civilization, represented by the Lapiths, and barbarism, embodied by the Centaurs. During the Dutch Golden Age, there was a flourishing market in classical art, with artists referencing ancient stories to convey contemporary ideas about order, reason, and moral virtue. De Bisschop’s drawing, with its dynamic composition and dramatic figures, reflects the artistic conventions of his time. But it may also implicitly comment on the social structures of the Dutch Republic, celebrating the triumph of reason over chaos. By examining the visual codes and cultural references within the image, and studying its production, reception, and circulation through archival research, we can gain insight into the complex ways art and society interact.