Scene from the History of the League of Sixteen c. 17th century

Editor: This is Sébastien Le Clerc's "Scene from the History of the League of Sixteen," and it seems to depict a military procession viewed from a high vantage point. What symbols stand out to you in this image? Curator: Consider how the figures on horseback loom over the city. The League of Sixteen was a powerful group during the French Wars of Religion. Their dominance is visually asserted. Does the pointing figure evoke a sense of authority or perhaps aggressive intent? Editor: I see what you mean about authority. The way he points seems almost like a declaration of power over the city. Curator: Indeed. And what might the city itself, rendered with such detail, symbolize in this context? Perhaps the prize, the stakes in this power struggle? Editor: That’s a great point. It gives a sense of what was at risk. Thanks for sharing your insights!