Karel Martel 1620 - 1664

"Karel Martel" is a 17th-century etching by Stefano della Bella, housed in the Rijksmuseum. The etching depicts Charles Martel, a Frankish statesman, on horseback, leading a charge against a group of Saracens. The scene is rendered with great detail, capturing the energy and dynamism of the battle. The inscription below provides a biographical summary of Martel's life and achievements, highlighting his victory over the Saracens in the Battle of Tours, a pivotal moment in European history. Della Bella's etching exemplifies the Baroque style's use of dramatic composition and intricate detail to depict historical figures and events with powerful intensity.