The battle of Issus(fragment) 1529

Albrecht Altdorfer created this fragment of the Battle of Issus with oil on wood. Observe the chaotic clash of armies beneath a sky ablaze with celestial phenomena. Flags and banners bearing various symbols dominate the scene, evoking both civic pride and military aggression. The use of flags as identifiers extends back to antiquity, seen in Roman legions and medieval heraldry. Consider the flag: initially a practical tool for battlefield coordination, it evolved into an emblem of power. In our collective memory, it remains a potent symbol of national identity, unity, and even conflict. Think of Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People,” where the tricolor flag galvanizes revolutionary fervor. The flag serves as a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The flag has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. The emotional and psychological aspect of the image—the fervor, the chaos—engages viewers on a primal, subconscious level.