Slag bij Marathon 1804

Giovanni Battista Romero created this engraving called ‘Battle of Marathon’ at the turn of the 19th century, a time when Europe was caught between the aftershocks of revolution and the rise of empires. The artwork depicts a pivotal moment in ancient Greek history. We see classical bodies in the heat of combat, a scene that’s as much about physical struggle as it is about the ideals of civilization and freedom that Europe associated with Ancient Greece. Look closely, and you’ll notice how Romero renders the male form: idealized, muscular, embodying a vision of heroism. This was a period when notions of masculinity were being heavily coded into art, often linking physical strength with moral virtue and civic duty. The historical Battle of Marathon becomes a stage for exploring themes of power, masculinity, and the making of history. In our contemporary moment, it invites questions about whose stories are told, and how. The emotional intensity captured in this print prompts us to reflect on the legacies of historical narratives.