Artwork
Battle with Swords
Battle with Swords is an ink print by the Baroque artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work is a woodcut print titled “Battle with Swords.” It depicts a close‑quarters duel in which one combatant lies on the ground, kicking, while a second figure stands above him, brandishing a sword. Spectators surrounding the fighters hold sticks and watch the encounter, and a banner bearing the words “Perkius” and “Rare Ben” appears in the flat background.
Subject & Meaning
The scene presents a violent confrontation, likely intended to illustrate a narrative of personal combat or a historical episode. The presence of onlookers suggests a public spectacle, while the banner may identify the participants or the event, hinting at a specific story known to contemporary viewers.
Technique & Style
Executed in the woodcut medium, the image relies on bold, simplified lines to convey movement and tension. The figures are rendered in a stylized, almost schematic manner, characteristic of early printmaking where clarity of form and rapid production were priorities. The limited tonal range and flat background emphasize the action rather than atmospheric detail.
History & Provenance
No specific date or artist is recorded for the piece, and its provenance remains unclear. The inclusion of the names “Perkius” and “Rare Ben” on the banner may point to a regional or workshop attribution, but further archival research would be required to trace its ownership history.
Context
Woodcut prints of this type were common in the early modern period, serving both as illustrations for books and as standalone images for popular consumption. Their straightforward visual language made them suitable for depicting narrative scenes such as battles, legends, or moral tales, often circulated among a broad audience.
Artist & collection
Artist
