Artwork
Battle of Naked Men
Battle of Naked Men is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Mantegna School. It dates from 1464 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Battle of Naked Men is a 15th-century engraving attributed to the Mantegna School, dating to around 1464. The work depicts a fantastical scene of nude male figures engaged in combat.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving shows a tightly packed group of naked men fighting with clubs and swords, their bodies contorted in an anatomically improbable tangle. Some figures wield shields resembling giant coins. Unlike typical battle depictions, this work draws inspiration from ancient Roman statues, imbuing the scene with a sense of classical influence.
Technique & Style
The artist employed cross-hatching to achieve detailed shading, evident in the fine lines used to cut shadows across the composition. The figures' poses and forms evoke the appearance of marble statues come to life, highlighting the Renaissance fascination with classical sculpture.
History & Provenance
Created in Italy during the 1460s, Battle of Naked Men is notable for its rarity as a non-historical battle scene from its time. The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. currently has the engraving on display.
Artist & collection
