Gevecht tussen Amazones en Grieken (deel rechtsboven) 1648 - 1670

François Ragot created this print, "Fight between Amazons and Greeks," sometime in the mid-17th century. The image depicts a chaotic battle scene, with a focus on the dynamic movement of horses and warriors. It is not known exactly what this artwork was made with. This print participates in a long tradition of depicting mythological battles, reflecting a cultural fascination with classical antiquity. The choice of this subject matter, steeped in historical and legendary narratives, served to elevate the status of art and the artist. The work was made in the Netherlands at a time when the Dutch Republic was a major center for printmaking. Prints like this one circulated widely and played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge of classical history and mythology. By studying prints, we can better understand how historical narratives were constructed, visualized, and consumed in the 17th century. The Rijksmuseum’s collection provides resources that can help us understand the social and institutional context of art production during that period.