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The Followers of Solon Defending the Temple of Venus

Willem Basse

1634

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Mythology

Dominant colour

The Followers of Solon Defending the Temple of Venus is a 1634 ink by Willem Basse, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Willem Basse
When & what style?: 1634 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a chaotic battle near a rocky shore. Soldiers with swords clash on the beach while people flee toward a temple on the left. In the background, a ship sits in the water, and the waves crash against the shore. The artist used quick, scratchy lines to show movement and tension. This style makes the scene feel urgent and messy. Next, look up etching to see how artists create prints like this one.