Allegorie met veldheer en goden 1625 - 1676

Bernardino Mei created this allegory with field marshal and gods using etching techniques. Born in Siena, Italy, Mei's work captures the grandeur and drama characteristic of Baroque art. Notice how this print blends earthly military power with divine authority, a common theme in art commissioned by the ruling classes. The field marshal, a symbol of worldly power, is elevated to near-mythical status, surrounded by gods and floating above a battlefield strewn with bodies. This depiction isn’t just about celebrating military might; it's about legitimizing power through divine endorsement, which was a narrative tool used throughout history to justify social hierarchies. Consider how the artist uses classical imagery to promote contemporary power structures. This print invites us to reflect on the relationships between power, violence, and representation, and how these dynamics shape our understanding of history and authority.