Combats et Triomphes 1540 - 1583

Etienne Delaune's "Combats et Triomphes," a print made in the 16th century, captures a frenzied battle scene, brimming with classical motifs. Notice the figures, their armor and weaponry evoking ancient Roman triumphs. These symbols speak to power, victory, and the glorification of military conquest. The horses, rearing amidst the fray, are a powerful motif here that echo those found in ancient friezes. Consider the hero on horseback as he resurfaces in Renaissance paintings, bearing a resemblance to the Roman equestrian statues. This symbol transcends epochs, each era imbuing it with its own cultural significance, be it the divine right of kings or the celebration of national prowess. The recurring motif serves as a potent reminder of how visual symbols evolve, yet their primal impact endures, engaging viewers in an eternal dance of memory and meaning.