Artwork

Battle in a Wood

Battle in a Wood, by Master of the Year 1515, 1515
Battle in a Wood, by Master of the Year 1515, 1515

Battle in a Wood is a print by the Renaissance artist Master of the Year 1515. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Notice how the artist packed so many bodies and weapons into one spot—it’s crowded and messy, like a fight you’d never sort out.

This chaotic scene shows a wild battle in a dark forest. Figures with swords and shields fight while horses rear up. Some people are on the ground, others are tangled in the trees. The lines are thick and scratchy, making everything look rough and urgent.

Notice how the artist packed so many bodies and weapons into one spot—it’s crowded and messy, like a fight you’d never sort out. The trees twist around the fighters, almost like they’re part of the battle.

Next, look up Master of the Year 1515 (Italian) to see more of their work.

Overview

Battle in a Wood is a print created by the artist known as Master of the Year 1515 around 1515. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a chaotic battle scene in a dark forest, with figures on foot and on horseback engaged in combat. The artist has densely packed the composition with bodies, weapons, and twisted trees, creating a sense of intense disorder.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of thick, scratchy lines contributes to the overall feeling of roughness and urgency in the scene. The print's style is characterized by its energetic and expressive rendering of the chaotic battle.

Artist & collection

Artist

Master of the Year 1515

This anonymous Italian painter made dramatic, muscular scenes straight from ancient myths.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.