Two Cavalry Battles 1627 - 1628

Peter Paul Rubens created this oil on wood panel, "Two Cavalry Battles," in the 17th century. We might see it as a commentary on the social structures of its time. It's self-consciously progressive, especially when we consider the period in which Rubens was working, a time when the institutions of art were tied to the church and monarchy. Rubens, working in Antwerp, was very aware of his public role as an artist. He was also attuned to the politics of imagery. The subject matter - two fierce battles, with horses and riders in dynamic conflict - creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. Rubens made this during the period of The Thirty Years War, between 1618 and 1648, a conflict defined by clashes between Catholic and Protestant states. The chaos depicted here offers an insight into the realities of warfare during that time. Historical interpretation helps us understand that art's meaning is contingent on social and institutional context. We might look at letters, diaries, and financial records to understand better.