Artwork
Battle for the Standard
Battle for the Standard is a print by the Baroque artist Gerard Edelinck. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Battle for the Standard is an engraving by Gérard Edelinck, based on a cartoon by Leonardo da Vinci. The work depicts a chaotic battle scene with clashing horses and men, characterized by dynamic poses and dramatic lighting.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving illustrates a tumultuous battle, with a prominent foreground scene of a man being trampled by a horse. The subject reflects the competitive artistic context of its creation, as Da Vinci's cartoon was conceived in rivalry with Michelangelo's Pisa cartoon.
Technique & Style
Edelinck's engraving employs bold lines and chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, drawing the viewer into the scene. The dynamic energy of the composition is enhanced by the varied poses of horses and men.
History & Provenance
This is the second state of the engraving, distinguishable by the absence of three points on the sword blade, which were added in later states. The original cartoon by Da Vinci predates the engraving.
Context
Created within the artistic rivalry between Da Vinci and Michelangelo, the original cartoon (and thus the engraving) reflects the intense creative competition among Renaissance artists.
Legacy
As a reproduction of Da Vinci's work, the engraving contributes to the dissemination of his artistic ideas and techniques, such as chiaroscuro, which influenced subsequent artistic practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gérard Edelinck (20 October 1640 (baptized) – 2 April 1707) was a copper-plate engraver and print publisher of Flemish origin, who worked in Paris from 1666 and became a naturalized French citizen in 1675.
