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Battle of the Romans under Scipio against the Carthaginians

Agostino dei Musi

Artwork Details

Battle of the Romans under Scipio against the Carthaginians
after 1531
Agostino dei Musi
engraving on paper
13 ⅜ in x 18 7/16 in (33.97 cm x 46.83 cm)
Museum Purchase made possible by the Friends of the Museum of Art
1976/1.211

On Display

Not currently on display

Description

Subject Matter:

Agostino Musi captures the chaos of battle through the dense masses of men and horses locked in struggle within a harsh, rocky landscape. The scene ostensibly represents a battle between the Romans under the command of Scipio and the Carthaginians from north Africa during the Second Punic War (218 to 201 BCE), but does not depict any specific military engagement.

Physical Description:

A group of men wage battle against each other in a rocky landscape. Some of the men wear ancient Roman armor while others are only partially clothed. The combatants wield spears and swords, and some are on horseback. The mounted soldier in the center of the scene holds a large banner. A burning city is visible in the distance.

Usage Rights:

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