Plate 33: Dutch and Roman Flotillas on the Rhine, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611 - 1612

Antonio Tempesta's "Plate 33: Dutch and Roman Flotillas on the Rhine, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians" (1611-12) is an etching depicting a naval battle between Roman and Batavian forces on the Rhine River. The print, part of a larger series documenting the Roman-Batavian war, showcases Tempesta's detailed and dynamic style. It captures the chaos and tension of the battle, with soldiers maneuvering their vessels and battling fiercely. The intricate details of the ships and the figures, along with the turbulent depiction of the water, create a sense of realism and immediacy, transporting the viewer to the heart of the historical event.