The Conquered Land

I have been a long-time admirer of Baron of Prague and his magnificent artworks.

This one in particular has always appealed because of its subject matter and its erotic beauty. I don't know the story behind the picture or what prompted Baron to produce it. Obviously, as with all artists, Baron had something he wanted to visually convey to his many admirers.

However, the picture which Baron called "The Conquered Land" suggests the aftermath of a Roman army victory over an enemy. Rome wasn't tolerant of its defeated enemies; their leaders were executed - most by crucifixion - while other lesser prisoners were marched away and sold into slavery. 

Baron's use of light and shade emphasises the brutality of the scene being played out. In the background, crucified men are silhouetted against the billowing, black smoke while carrion birds circle overhead anticipating feasting on the crucified. In the foreground, others being prepared for their crucifixions are highlighted.

Roman soldiers were often used as the executioners and one can imagine that it was hot, bloody and physically demanding work. After all, having to wrestle a terrified, naked victim into position to drive the heavy iron spikes through wrists and ankles would require a lot of strength and a cruel indifference to the suffering of the crucified man.

Here, we see an execution squad stripped to the waist as they go about their grim task of preparing their hapless victims for the "agony of the cross".

Baron's art is visceral and one can sense the despair and hopelessness of the character standing at the centre of the picture with his arms already outstretched on the patibulum as he awaits his turn to be nailed to a cross and raised into position to die a slow, lonely and an unimaginably painful death.

In "The Conquered Land", Baron has captured all the pathos and drama of the real thing. But then it is said - a picture is worth a thousand words.