Slag bij Poltava, 1709 1709 - 1747

Maurice Baquoy's print depicts the Battle of Poltava in 1709, capturing a pivotal moment in European history with stark lines. The composition, an almost bird's-eye view, reduces the individuals to patterns, emphasizing the vastness of the field. Here, the cloud of smoke, looming like a specter above the battle, is particularly striking. Throughout history, smoke has often symbolized chaos, divine wrath, or the transient nature of human endeavors. Think of how smoke appears in depictions of volcanic eruptions in Pompeii, an omen of disaster. Yet, smoke also accompanies triumph, as in depictions of Roman triumphs, where incense creates an ambiance of glory. The Poltava print echoes both: it’s a record of victory, but also a somber reminder of the destruction and human cost inherent in such grand events. This duality engages us, stirring primal associations between triumph and tragedy deep within our cultural memory.