Peter Paul Rubens
Helene Fourment in Her Bridal Gown, um 1630/31
Eichenholz, 163,5 x 136,9 cm
Erworben 1698 durch Kurfürst Max Emanuel
Inv. Nr. 340
The Battle of the Amazons
Exactly what battle from ancient Greek mythology is here depicted cannot be determined with certainty; the warrior women from Asia Minor were involved in numerous conflicts. In Rubens' painting they are shown as having lost and having to take flight. The artist ingeniously used the scene's setting by dividing it into two levels: The arch of the bridge is a focal point around which the swirl of action takes place; the view under the bridge adds depth to the relief-like composition. The sketch-like, fluid treatment perfectly parallels the tumultuous situation.