Follower of Giulio Romano – The Attack on Cartagena Part 2 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a chaotic scene of military engagement, unfolding across a wide horizontal format. Here we observe a large group of figures engaged in what appears to be an assault on a fortified city. The foreground is densely populated with soldiers, their bodies contorted in the midst of combat. They are depicted wielding various weapons – spears, swords, and shields – suggesting a close-quarters struggle. A palpable sense of urgency and violence permeates this area.
The artist has employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect; strong contrasts between light and shadow heighten the emotional intensity of the scene. The figures closest to the viewer are illuminated, while those further back recede into darkness, creating depth and emphasizing the scale of the conflict. This technique also serves to highlight individual moments of action within the larger melee.
Behind the immediate combatants, a line of soldiers advances towards the city walls. They appear more organized than those in the foreground, suggesting a structured military formation. A large siege engine, possibly a ram or catapult, is visible on the left side of the composition, indicating an attempt to breach the fortifications.
The city itself dominates the background. Its imposing walls and towers are rendered with considerable detail, conveying its strength and resilience. Smoke rises from within the city, hinting at fires and further destruction. A body of water stretches out beyond the city walls, where a few ships can be discerned on the horizon. These vessels suggest a naval component to the conflict, expanding the scope of the battle.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and reds – which contribute to the overall sense of grim realism. The limited use of brighter colors draws attention to specific details, such as the glint of metal or the crimson stains on clothing.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of power, conquest, and destruction. The sheer number of figures involved suggests a large-scale conflict with significant political implications. The depiction of both attackers and defenders conveys a sense of mutual struggle and loss. There is an underlying commentary on the brutality inherent in warfare and the devastating consequences it inflicts upon both victors and vanquished. The composition’s emphasis on chaos and violence, coupled with the stark contrast between light and shadow, evokes a feeling of unease and foreboding.