Who painted Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]?

Battle of the Sea Gods [left half] was painted by Andrea Mantegna in 1481.

Where can I see Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]?

Battle of the Sea Gods [left half] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]?

Battle of the Sea Gods [left half] is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]

Andrea Mantegna , 1481

Battle of the Sea Gods [left half] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna. It dates from 1481 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, 'Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]', is an engraving on laid paper created by Andrea Mantegna in 1481. It showcases a dynamic scene of mythological figures in combat, rendered in sharp, detailed lines.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a chaotic underwater battle between muscular sea deities, some entwined in seaweed, others wielding weapons or gesturing wildly. A statue on a pedestal and a small boat are visible in the background, adding to the scene's complexity.

Technique & Style

Mantegna employed cross-hatching to create dark areas and texture, giving the figures a solid, sculptural presence. The use of sharp, angular lines and careful arrangement of the composition contribute to the work's monumentality and sense of dynamism.

History & Provenance

As a painter, printmaker, and son-in-law of Jacopo Bellini, Mantegna was a significant figure in Venice's early printmaking culture. Trained in Roman archaeology, he brought a rigorous application of perspective and sculptural treatment of form to his work.

Artist & collection

Artist

Andrea Mantegna

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…