Attack on a Roman Fortress at Night 1611

Curator: This etching, attributed to Antonio Tempesta, is called "Attack on a Roman Fortress at Night." Look at the density of the marks! Editor: It's incredibly vivid—almost theatrical. The composition really drives home the chaos of battle. Curator: Tempesta, working in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, was known for his battle scenes, reflecting the turbulent political climate of Europe. We see the violence of war, but also, perhaps, the power structures at play. Who gets to depict war? Who benefits? Editor: The artist’s focus on line and form really heightens the drama. The flames, the charging figures…everything is rendered with such energy! It pulls you right into the heart of the conflict. Curator: Exactly! This image is a visual statement about power, conflict, and, ultimately, the stories we tell about them. Editor: It’s a stunning piece, both for its technical skill and its visceral impact.