Palamedes Palamedesz. I (London 1607-1638 Delft)

The present composition, crowded with figures and incidents, can be considered as one of the finest battle paintings by Palamedes Palamedesz. It is the only known tondo by the artist, and the impressive measurement attests to the importance within his oeuvre. This composition follows the tradition of famous examples like Rubens’ Battle of the Amazons or Raphael’s Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Palamedesz. succeeded in masterly manner in portraying the fury and the intense emotions of men at war. The battle moves from two directions to the crown of the bridge, which is too small for the figures: horses and riders topple, hurtle or slither from it. The water, too, is full of figures, falling or swimming.