Plate from Battles and Victories (Combats et Triomphes) 1540 - 1583

This plate from Etienne Delaune’s “Battles and Victories” series, created between 1540 and 1583, depicts a complex scene of battle and triumph. The central figure, a winged female, likely representing Victory, sits amidst broken weapons and shields. The chaotic arrangement of these military accoutrements underscores the violent aftermath of a battle and the triumph of the victor. Delaune’s detailed and intricate engraving style, characteristic of the Mannerist period, is evident in the delicate lines and dense composition. This plate, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Delaune’s mastery of the printmaking medium, creating a powerful and dynamic visual narrative.