Plate 31: Civilis Forced to Dismount and Swim Across the River, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians 1611

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "Civilis Forced to Dismount and Swim Across the River," part of his series, "The War of the Romans Against the Batavians." The composition is dominated by a chaotic scene of battle. Figures in the foreground and background create a sense of depth, all rendered with fine, precise lines. The dark, dense hatching creates areas of shadow, contrasting sharply with the highlights to produce a dramatic effect. The central motif is a horse and rider who are being forced into the river. Tempesta uses the formal elements to create a narrative. The bridge acts as a threshold, a meeting point between two worlds, the Roman and the Batavian. This division reflects the broader theme of conflict and cultural clash. Notice how Tempesta's formal choices—his lines, shading, and composition—work together to depict a complex scene of conflict. The engraving invites us to consider the relationship between form and content, and how artistic techniques can convey historical narratives.