Battle of the Sea Gods [right half]

before 1481

Andrea Mantegna

Associated Names
Andrea Mantegna

Artist, Paduan, c. 1431 - 1506

This is a drawing of mythical creatures engaged in a river scene. The image depicts a group of mythological figures that appear to be part human and part aquatic creature, possibly mermen or sirens, in a lively scene near water. Some figures are holding instruments, and there are ornamental aquatic elements like fish scales and a horse-like creature emerging from the water. The detailed artwork suggests an etching or engraving technique, delivering a narrative of mythical origin with complex interactions. The style is reminiscent of the Renaissance period, capturing movement and emotion through detailed line work.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of W.G. Russell Allen

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 28.8 x 38.1 cm (11 5/16 x 15 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1941.1.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hind 'Engravings', Vol. 5, p.15, no. 6, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

W. Bell Scott (1811-1890), Lugt 2607

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1971

  • Albrecht Dürer: The Early Graphic Works, Princeton University Art Museum, NJ, 1971, no. 12b, repro.

1973

  • Prints of the Italian Renaissance, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1973, no. 179.

2011

  • Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; The Frick Collection, New York, 2011-2012(shown only in Washington).

2018

  • Sharing Images: Renaissance Prints into Maiolica and Bronze, cat. by Jamie Gabbarelli, NGA, 2018, no.

Bibliography

1938

  • Hind, Arthur M. Early Italian Engraving; a critical catalogue with complete reproductions of all the prints described. 7 vols. London: Bernard Quaritch Ltd., 1938-1948.

1973

  • Levenson et al. 1973, no.76.

1995

  • Luchs, Alison. Tullio Lombardo and Ideal Portrait Sculpture in Renaissance Venice, 1490-1530. Cambridge, England, and New York, 1995: 35, 50, 230, fig. 45.

2011

  • Luciano, Eleonora, ed. Antico: The Golden Age of Renaissance Bronzes. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington. London, 2011: 30, 31 fig. 15, 153.

2017

  • Simons, Patricia. "Mantegna's Battle of the Sea Gods: The material and thematic interaction between print and sculpture." In_Prints in Translation, 1450-1750: Image, Materiality, Space_, edited by Suzanne Karr Schmidt and Edward H. Wouk. Oxon and New York, 2017: 89-113, fig. 6.1b.

2018

  • Gabbarelli, Jamie with Jonathan Bober. Sharing Images: Renaissance Prints into Maiolica and Bronze, Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2018: 41, pl. 6.

Watermarks

Cardinal’s Hat. Close to Br. 3404 (Udine 1503)

Wikidata ID

Q64952840

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