A King Pursued by a Unicorn

c. 1555

Jean Duvet

Associated Names
Jean Duvet

Artist, French, 1485 - c. 1570

This is a drawing of a battle scene within a forest. The drawing shows several mounted and armored figures fighting amidst fallen opponents. The scene conveys a sense of chaos with rearing horses and struggling soldiers. The figures exhibit dramatic anatomy and expressions. In the background, there are architectural structures, including a fortified building and an arched entryway, providing depth to the composition. The environment is detailed with foliage above and fallen branches and bodies below, creating a richly textured setting for the confrontation.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 23.7 × 39.5 cm (9 5/16 × 15 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.3707

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Eisler 1979, no. 66, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Arthur H. Harlow & Company, New York); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1939; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1979

  • Eisler, Colin. The Master of the Unicorn: The Life and Work of Jean Duvet. New York: Abaris Books,1979.

Inscriptions

"OSMG 2 Paris" verso, lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand. "RD 55 10166 C = 10737" verso, center left, graphite, unknown hand.

Markings

"National Gallery of Art, LJR" verso, lower left margin, black stamped ink. Rosenwald stamp, verso, lower center.

Wikidata ID

Q64958980

You may be interested in

Loading Results