Slag aan de Granicus 1634 - 1740

This print depicts the Battle of the Granicus, showing Alexander the Great leading his troops across the river to engage the Persian army. The river acts as a barrier between two worlds, but also a meeting point where conflict unfolds. The image brims with symbols of power and chaos. Horses rear and plunge, their riders locked in mortal combat. This motif of warring figures, like the hero and the dragon, extends back into antiquity. From ancient Greek vase paintings to Renaissance tapestries, it captures the eternal struggle between opposing forces. Note how, regardless of the medium, a chaotic scene, and struggling bodies and horses come to be associated with warfare. Consider the psychological weight carried by such scenes. The tumult and violence trigger deeply rooted fears, yet also evoke a sense of awe. This duality speaks to our complex relationship with conflict. The motifs of struggle and triumph, repeated across centuries, reveal the enduring power of these archetypes.