Ruitergevecht 1631 - 1676

"Ruitergevecht" or "Cavalry Battle" was created by Jacques Courtois. This drawing provides an opportunity to reflect on how violence has been depicted throughout history. Courtois, an artist in 17th century Europe, lived in a world of constant conflict, shaped by religious wars and political power struggles. It’s hard to ignore the machismo and the glorification of military might that are on display here, if you consider that European society was deeply patriarchal, where honor and power were often demonstrated through military conquest. This piece invites us to think about the complex interplay between violence, masculinity, and power. How does this historical depiction of war relate to our contemporary understanding of conflict and its impact on diverse populations? What does it mean to witness this scene of conflict?