Battle of the Amalekites c. 17th century

Editor: This is Matthäus Merian the Elder's "Battle of the Amalekites," an engraving. It’s incredibly detailed, but the chaos of the scene almost makes it hard to decipher. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: The density of figures creates a powerful sense of drama, wouldn’t you agree? Note how Merian uses contrasting lines to define forms and create depth. How does the composition lead your eye through the scene? Editor: I see the way the spears at the top create a kind of frame, pushing my attention down to the melee in the center. The artist really uses line to convey motion. Curator: Precisely. The diagonal lines of the spears contrast with the curved lines of the figures, creating a dynamic tension. The density of the lines and the lack of color certainly add to the dramatic impact. Editor: I hadn’t thought about the contrast like that. It makes the whole scene feel much more active and forceful. Curator: This exercise reveals the sophisticated formal devices employed to communicate narrative.