Execution of the Five Kings of the Amorites 1533 - 1574

Joachim Beuckelaer's "Execution of the Five Kings of the Amorites" is a 16th-century drawing depicting the violent end of a group of rulers. The dramatic scene unfolds with figures scrambling and fighting, highlighting the chaos of the event. The drawing is an example of Beuckelaer's skillful use of chiaroscuro, which creates a sense of depth and drama. The small size of the work, measuring 10 3/16 x 7 1/2 inches, gives a sense of intimacy to the scene and invites the viewer to carefully examine the details of the execution. Currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this drawing is a testament to the artist's talent and the power of visual storytelling.