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

Etienne Delaune created this print, "Plate from Battles and Victories," sometime in the 16th century. The composition pulses with classical imagery, meticulously rendered in monochrome. It evokes a mood of martial triumph mixed with an almost dreamlike quality. Delaune masterfully uses the formal elements to explore ideas about power and victory. The symmetrical arrangement, with the central figure flanked by allegorical groups, suggests a structured hierarchy. But the dynamic lines of the weaponry, banners, and swirling figures disrupt any sense of static order. The dense crosshatching creates a rich texture, a visual density mirroring the complexities of war and conquest. The human forms are idealized, yet the overall effect is not one of simple glorification. Ultimately, the print engages with the semiotic language of its time, using classical symbols to negotiate ideas about conflict, authority, and the human condition. It reminds us that art serves not just as a mirror but as a critical engagement with the values of its age.