Plate 20: Elisha Bringing the Blinded Syrian Army to the King of Israel, from 'The Battles of the Old Testament' 1585 - 1615

This is Antonio Tempesta's "Elisha Bringing the Blinded Syrian Army to the King of Israel," an engraving dating from the late 16th or early 17th century. The image depicts a scene from the Old Testament, but Tempesta, an Italian artist, renders it with a clear understanding of contemporary military practice. The architecture in the background, with its arches and towers, is evocative of classical antiquity, updated for a later period. This gives the scene a timeless quality, inviting viewers to consider the broader implications of warfare and leadership. Consider the social function of such imagery at this time. Was Tempesta commenting on contemporary conflicts? Was this biblical scene a commentary on the leaders and armies of his own time? Such questions require careful research into the political and cultural history of the period.