Slag van 18 augustus 1794 1794

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki etched this work, *Slag van 18 augustus 1794*, using etching. The image displays conflict, and the tension of battle through the crossing of rifles that cuts through the composition, dividing the figures. Throughout time, the motif of crossing objects, especially weapons, recurs in art. Think of crossed swords as symbols of power and conflict, found in heraldry and battle scenes from ancient Rome to Renaissance paintings, each iteration carrying echoes of past struggles. In this etching, the crossed rifles not only depict an immediate clash but also tap into a deeper, subconscious understanding of conflict, struggle, and resolution, engaging the viewer on a visceral level. The etching reduces human drama to a stark exchange, devoid of heroic grandeur. This reflects the shifting attitudes of the late 18th century, where Enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional glorifications of war. This symbol continues to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.