Battle of the Romans against Hannibal Possibly 1567 - 1602

Curator: Cornelis Cort’s "Battle of the Romans against Hannibal" depicts a chaotic scene, focusing on the clash between Roman soldiers and Hannibal's forces, including war elephants. It's an engraving measuring approximately 42 by 54 centimeters. Editor: The density of the etched lines really conveys the overwhelming sense of turmoil and struggle. Look at the way the light struggles to penetrate the mass of bodies and beasts. Curator: Indeed. Cort’s mastery is evident in how he orchestrates this complexity. Note the formal arrangement of bodies and the lines of force created to move the eye through the conflict. The texture of the paper itself adds to the tactile experience. Editor: But beyond the formal considerations, it's interesting to consider the labor involved in producing such a detailed print and how access to such images played a role in shaping historical narratives for a wider audience. Curator: A relevant point. The print serves as a testament to Cort’s technical skill in translating narrative into a visually compelling composition. Editor: It's a window into both artistic skill and the historical forces at play in early print culture. I appreciate how Cort presents the grim reality of battle, reminding us that art is also a product of conflict and power. Curator: Ultimately, the work exemplifies the power of formal mastery to capture the essence of historical narrative.