Gevechten tussen Fransen en kozakken bij Deventer, 1813 1813

Curator: This is "Gevechten tussen Fransen en kozakken bij Deventer, 1813" by Jacob Ernst Marcus. It depicts, as the title suggests, a battle between French and Cossack forces near Deventer, Netherlands, during that tumultuous year. It’s an engraving. Editor: My first impression is a chaotic scene held together by a surprisingly delicate line work. The sky almost seems to press down upon the violent struggle below. The plumes of smoke blend seamlessly into the cloud formations overhead. Curator: Yes, there is definitely a strong sense of Romanticism embedded here, with an emphasis on chaos, perhaps suggesting the sublime power of war and the insignificance of human struggles against larger historical forces. The conflict becomes symbolic. Editor: Exactly. The piece visualizes power struggles on the ground and in the heavens, doesn’t it? Zooming in, I’m struck by how even the figures are being consumed by this haze. But where do you see those Romantic undertones coming from? Curator: Beyond the scale of the event itself, one must consider the time this work was created. 1813 was a time when much of Europe found itself embroiled in these conflicts. Cossack warriors, especially, often became a popular figure. As representatives of this freedom over French imperial authority they appear again and again throughout the artwork of the time, representing a victory over tyranny and authoritarianism, at least in symbolic terms. Editor: So the very figures present speak to ideas of freedom and revolution. Do you think that framing gives license to the clear disbalance of the classes that are visibly portrayed within it? How do you feel that the classism presented at this time plays into the continued glorification of these power struggles. Curator: You make an excellent point about class and how conflict is often depicted. One must consider the fact that most depictions of combat lack ground level depictions of struggle in favor of idealized leaders and victories. In this instance, while not ideal, there is certainly a more nuanced attempt at bringing real world aspects of war to this visual interpretation, Editor: It gives me a great deal to reflect on. I will be viewing this piece and thinking of it for quite some time. Thank you. Curator: Likewise. It has given me a new lens to examine Jacob Ernst Marcus’ work and that of his contemporaries as well.