Plate 19: Jacob Killing Absalom, from The Battles of the Old Testament 1585 - 1615

Antonio Tempesta’s etching, "Plate 19: Jacob Killing Absalom," from *The Battles of the Old Testament* series, depicts a scene of intense action from the Biblical story of Absalom’s death. The composition is dynamic, filled with figures on horseback and foot, their movements and gestures conveying the chaos of battle. Tempesta’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and volume, emphasizing the violent struggle between the two armies. This detailed engraving provides a powerful visual representation of this iconic biblical story.