In 't jaar 496 c. 1789 - 1810

"In 't jaar 496" is an anonymous drawing depicting a historical battle scene likely referencing the Battle of Tolbiac in 496 AD, where the Franks under Clovis I defeated the Alemanni. The small scale and graphic detail of the artwork give viewers a glimpse into the violent reality of warfare in the late Roman era. The drawing, housed in the Rijksmuseum, utilizes a dynamic composition and contrasting light and shadow to highlight the chaos and brutality of the event. The small size of the artwork, measuring 65mm by 55mm, adds to its intimacy and immediacy, immersing viewers in the heart of the action. This anonymous work, likely created between 1789 and 1810, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of historical events and the enduring fascination with the visual representation of conflict.