A Roman Soldier Fighting one of Hannibal's Elephants, pl. 7 in the Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium series
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mrs. A. W. Erickson
Accession Number
1952-37-6
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold *A Roman Soldier Fighting one Hannibal's Elephants*, plate 7 from Jan van der Straet's *Venationes Ferarum Avium, Piscium* series, created by the Flemish artist known as Stradanus (1523–1605) in 1596 or later. Stradanus, a Mannerist master who worked in Renaissance Florence for the Medici family, specialized in dynamic print series capturing hunts, spectacles, and mythical combats. This piece, now in the Smithsonian American Art's collection (gift of Mrs. A. W. Erickson), exemplifies flair for dramatic scenes blending history and fantasy. The artwork dramatizes a pivotal moment from th...