Artwork
Battle of the Sea Gods
Battle of the Sea Gods is a print by the Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna. It dates from 1482 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Battle of the Sea Gods is a pioneering print created from two joined plates, overcoming size limitations of contemporary printing technology. This innovative technique, debuted here, enabled the production of larger, more complex images, such as the depicted battle scene of multiple sea gods.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a mythological battle, interpreted as a representation of artistic envy. The sea-gods, identified as the Telchines (ancient sculptors associated with envy), and the figure of Invidia (Latin for envy), convey Mantegna's exploration of themes rooted in classical antiquity.
Technique & Style
Mantegna employed varied shading techniques, including parallel lines, hooked-end lines for a zig-zag effect, and two burin sizes for line thickness variation. Although drypoint was used, these lines are no longer visible due to wear.
History & Provenance
Part of a group of seven prints attributed to Mantegna's own engraving (c. 1460-1480), this work marks the beginning of a standard practice for large-scale print production, particularly for battle and procession scenes.
Context
Reflecting Mantegna's fascination with antiquity, the print's sophistication and size suggest an elevated status of prints among collectors, indicating their suitability for wall display.
Legacy
As the earliest surviving example of a two-plate print designed for joint display, Battle of the Sea Gods influenced subsequent large-scale printmaking, especially in depicting expansive scenes like battles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Andrea Mantegna (UK: , US: ; Italian: ; c. 1431 – September 13, 1506) was an Italian Renaissance painter, a student of Roman archaeology, and the son-in-law of Jacopo Bellini. Like other artists of the time, Mantegna…
