Defeat of Sanherib, King of Assur Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The composition presents a chaotic scene of military devastation and divine intervention. Here we observe a tumultuous battle unfolding amidst a storm-wracked sky. A mass of figures, both living and dead, are entangled in a violent struggle; the foreground is littered with fallen soldiers, their bodies contorted in postures of agony and defeat. The artist has rendered them with a stark realism, emphasizing the brutality of warfare through detailed depictions of wounds and expressions of despair.
A central group of warriors on horseback dominates the middle ground. They appear to be engaged in close combat, their weapons raised amidst a flurry of activity. Their armor is richly detailed, suggesting a high degree of military organization and status. The horses themselves are rendered with considerable dynamism, adding to the sense of frantic movement and disorder.
Above this melee, within the turbulent sky, two winged figures descend. One appears to be a radiant being, bathed in light and seemingly emanating power. Its posture suggests an act of divine judgment or intervention, casting a dramatic contrast against the earthly chaos below. The other figure is partially obscured by shadow, but its presence contributes to the overall sense of awe and mystery surrounding this celestial event.
The color palette is dominated by dark, earthy tones – browns, blacks, and deep reds – which amplify the grim atmosphere of destruction. However, these somber hues are punctuated by flashes of bright light emanating from the divine figures, creating a striking visual contrast that draws the viewers attention upwards. The use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic interplay of light and shadow – heightens the emotional intensity of the scene, emphasizing the suffering of the fallen while simultaneously suggesting a higher power at work.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of hubris and divine retribution. The defeated warriors likely represent those who challenged a greater authority, only to be brought low by forces beyond their control. The radiant figure’s presence implies that earthly power is ultimately subject to a higher order, suggesting a moral lesson about the consequences of pride and defiance. The overall effect is one of overwhelming tragedy tempered by an underlying sense of spiritual significance.