Slag bij Zama tussen Scipio en Hannibal, bij nacht c. 1567

Cornelis Cort created this engraving titled "Slag bij Zama tussen Scipio en Hannibal, bij nacht," or "Battle of Zama between Scipio and Hannibal, at Night," in the 16th century. The piece is a whirlwind of densely packed figures and animals, a chaotic scene rendered entirely in shades of grey. This monochrome palette, combined with the dramatic composition, evokes a sense of urgency and turmoil, immersing us in the intensity of battle. Cort masterfully uses line and texture to convey a scene of epic conflict. The chaotic arrangement, however, destabilizes any clear heroic narrative. Instead, we are confronted with a scene where the mass of bodies, both human and animal, blurs the lines between victor and vanquished. Consider the function of battle scenes in art and culture, often used to reinforce ideas of power and order. Here, Cort presents us with a different perspective, emphasizing the raw, visceral aspects of war and questioning the idealized heroism so often depicted. This engraving serves as a complex meditation on war, challenging viewers to reconsider established meanings and values associated with conflict and power.