Artwork
The Defeat of Sennacherib
The Defeat of Sennacherib is an ink print by the Baroque artist Pieter Claesz Soutman. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Defeat of Sennacherib is a 1632 etching by Pieter Claesz Soutman, a print made using acid and a metal plate.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a chaotic battle scene with horsemen and foot soldiers, a winged figure above a ruined city, and a dramatic sky. The scene is likely a representation of the biblical story of Sennacherib's defeat.
Technique & Style
Soutman's use of sharp lines creates a sense of drama and movement, evident in the detailed rendering of horses' muscles and soldiers' armor. The crowded scene is balanced by a controlled composition, with every figure engaged in action.
Artist & collection
