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

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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

  • Series Title

    Plate from the Unicorn

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.

Wikidata ID

Q64958980

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