The Battle of Trasimeno 1519 - 1596

Editor: Here we have Crispijn van den Broeck's "The Battle of Trasimeno," a drawing rendered in pencil, dating roughly from 1519 to 1596. It feels incredibly dynamic, a churning mass of bodies and horses. What can you tell us about this work? Curator: Looking at "The Battle of Trasimeno," I see more than just a historical depiction. I see a critical examination of power and violence. How does van den Broeck frame the individual within the collective chaos of war, and whose stories are prioritized? This rendering invites us to think about the power dynamics inherent in historical narratives and representation of men at war and conquest. It’s important to remember that representations of historical battles, especially during the Renaissance, often served to legitimize contemporary political agendas and military endeavors. Editor: That’s fascinating. So, beyond the surface level depiction of a battle, it's functioning as propaganda? Curator: Perhaps propaganda is too simplistic, but consider how the artist, by choosing this subject, participates in constructing a certain version of history, reinforcing certain ideas about heroism, masculinity, and nationhood. How might a contemporary artist engage with the same subject matter, but challenge these conventions? What does it tell us that there appears to be little variation among the soldiers depicted? Editor: It makes you consider who gets glorified in these portrayals. I’m used to looking at art through a purely aesthetic lens, but thinking about the social implications adds so much depth. Curator: Exactly. By understanding the social and historical context, we can critically assess the values embedded within the artwork and question the narratives it perpetuates, as well as who and how that intersects with our contemporary landscape. Editor: I’ll definitely be looking at historical artworks with a more critical eye moving forward. Thanks!