Vlucht van het Assyrische leger c. 1547 - 1559

"Vlucht van het Assyrische leger" (Flight of the Assyrian Army), a 16th-century engraving by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, depicts a dramatic scene of battle. The detailed and dynamic composition, typical of Northern Renaissance art, showcases a chaotic retreat with fallen soldiers and a struggle for survival. Coornhert’s use of hatching and cross-hatching adds depth and texture to the figures, drawing the viewer's eye to the central clash of swords and shields. The work, housed in the Rijksmuseum, stands as a powerful representation of historical warfare, offering a glimpse into the anxieties of the period.