The Battle of Diomedes and Aeneas (from the Story of Achilles) 1715 - 1735

Jan van Orley created this dynamic drawing of 'The Battle of Diomedes and Aeneas' in the 18th century using pen and brown ink with brown wash on blue paper. The composition is immediately striking: a dense, swirling mass of figures locked in combat, dominated by the chariot at its center. The figures are rendered with energetic lines, their forms defined by hatching and cross-hatching that create a sense of movement and turmoil. Orley uses the blue paper as a mid-tone, allowing the brown ink to create highlights and shadows. The drawing's dynamism reflects the Baroque interest in dramatic narratives and the exploration of human emotion. Orley’s use of line and wash not only describes the scene but also conveys its emotional intensity. Each stroke contributes to the overall sense of chaos and struggle, capturing the spirit of battle. It shows the way artists grapple with representing conflict and the human form in motion.