Plate 11: Civilis' Troops Crossing the Maas River, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611 - 1612

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "Civilis' Troops Crossing the Maas River," around 1612, using etching and engraving. It depicts a chaotic scene of battle, rendered in intricate detail. The composition is structured by the stark contrast between the dark, densely packed foreground and the comparatively lighter, more open background. Tempesta masterfully uses line and form to convey the intensity of conflict. Observe how the lines become more frenzied where the soldiers clash. The bridge acts as a structural element, a stark contrast to the organic chaos below. The dense concentration of figures and the implied movement create a sense of instability, challenging any fixed narrative. The image destabilizes established meanings of heroism, presenting war as an anarchic event. The print's structure, with its calculated use of contrast and intricate linework, functions as a discourse on power, conflict, and representation. The ongoing interpretation of this artwork allows us to engage with these complex themes.