War (Bellum), no. 3 in a set of 4 allegorical figures
Etienne Delaune French
Not on view
Engraving with an allegorical figure of War, third in a set of four, representing peace, abundance, war, and famine. War is represented by a woman wearing a helmet and cuirasse, holding a sword on the right hand, and brandishing a shield with her left arm. She is seated on a throne made up of a war trophy, containing a variety of arms. Although she is enthroned, her posture evoques movement; in fact, it seems as if she has just defeated her opponent. The background depicts a desolated landscaped, with a small town on fire, which symbolizes, in contrast to the landscapes of the previous prints of the suite, the ruins caused by the destructive fire of war.