The Battle of Levenc 1664
1865
oil
From the collection of Kunsthistorisches Museum
1865
oil
From the collection of Kunsthistorisches Museum
This painting shows a scene of battle. Men on horseback and on foot are engaged in combat. Some men are dressed in traditional European armor, while others wear African garb. The scene is set in a courtyard, with buildings visible in the background. One detail that catches the eye is the contrast between the armor and the traditional African clothing. The armor is shiny and metallic, while the African clothing is colorful and patterned. This contrast highlights the cultural differences between the two groups. To learn more about this style of painting, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.