Plate 6: the combat 1635 - 1660

This etching, Plate 6: The Combat, is part of a series of prints depicting scenes from the Thirty Years' War by Jacques Courtois, also known as Borgognone. Created between 1635-1660, the print showcases Courtois’ mastery of depicting the chaotic energy of battle. The dynamic composition, with smoke billowing in the background and riders clashing in the foreground, conveys the intensity of the moment. Courtois's interest in military subjects and his meticulous attention to detail are evident in the depiction of the horses, armor, and weapons. This print is a powerful testament to the realities of war in the 17th century, a theme often explored in his paintings.