Veldslag van Alexander de Grote en Poros (plaat 2) 1717

This is a print made by Bernard Picart dating back to the early 18th century, depicting a chaotic battle scene between Alexander the Great and Poros. The entire composition is a dynamic swirl of bodies, horses, and elephants rendered in meticulous detail through the use of engraving. Light and shadow are strategically employed to accentuate the tension and drama of the conflict. The composition is structured around a central vortex, pulling the eye into the heat of battle. We can see the artist using the formal structure to convey a sense of turmoil and overwhelming force. The image employs a dense network of intersecting lines, with this technique mirroring the entanglements of war, blurring the lines between victor and vanquished, emphasizing the brutal and indiscriminate nature of conflict. Picart uses the linear precision of engraving to evoke an emotional response; a sense of awe tinged with horror. By engaging with the classical subject matter through the refined medium of engraving, Picart invites us to reflect on the enduring power of art to mediate our understanding of history, violence, and the human condition.