Aftocht van Pietro Strozzi tijdens de slag bij Marciano 1583

Philips Galle’s engraving, "Aftocht van Pietro Strozzi tijdens de slag bij Marciano," captures a historical event with remarkable attention to structure and composition. The detailed lines of the figures and landscapes create a dense, almost overwhelming visual field. The composition is divided into distinct planes. In the foreground, we see the retreating figure of Pietro Strozzi on horseback, while the midground depicts the chaotic battle scene with soldiers arranged in rigid, geometric formations. In the background, there are precisely rendered architectural structures on a distant hillside. This creates a sense of depth and order amidst the turmoil. Galle's use of line is particularly striking. The sharp, clear lines define every detail, from the individual soldiers to the folds of the horses' muscles, thus giving the print a sense of meticulous control. The structure and form not only convey the narrative but also offer a meditation on the nature of conflict and historical representation. The work invites a deeper questioning of the semiotic codes within this structured depiction of war.