Antonio Tempesta

Both of these prints represent traditional methods of depicting battles and soldiers prior to the 17th century. Antonio Tempesta’s Battle Scene presents a dramatic

battle between two unknown factions and focuses on a dynamic centralized composition that entangles the bodies of horses and men. Tempesta was one of Callot’s early teachers. Johann de Bry’s Procession is a frieze-format print that recalls depictions of triumphal processions carved in relief on ancient sarcophagi and triumphal arches, while depicting soldiers and costumes particular to Germany. Both were important precedents for Callot, whose images of war nonetheless broke from these traditions to depict presentday events and often their consequences. In doing so, Callot offers a less glorifying and more realistic view of war.