Battle of the Nudes

c. 1470/1475

Antonio del Pollaiuolo

Associated Names
Antonio del Pollaiuolo

Artist, Italian, c. 1431 - 1498

This is an illustration of a scene showing multiple figures in combat surrounded by dense foliage. The figures are engaged in battle, wielding various weapons, and are depicted with detailed muscular anatomy and flowing hair. The background features stylized vegetation, creating a forest setting. Bold lines and cross-hatching are used to create depth and shadow. The composition conveys a sense of controlled chaos, emphasizing the intensity and movement of the battle.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 39 x 58.7 cm (15 3/8 x 23 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.6987

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hind 'Engravings', Vol. 1, p.191, no. 1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA; gift to the NGA, 1943

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1933

  • An Exhibition of Prints from the Collection of Lessing J. Rosenwald, Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 1933, no. 28.

1936

  • The Centennial Exposition: Exhibition of Paintings, Sculptures, Graphic Arts, Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, 1936, no. 7.

1957

  • The Printmaker: 1450-1950, Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, California Palace of the Legion of Honor, San Francisco, California, 1957, repro.

1960

  • Graphic Masterpieces of 500 Years from the National Gallery of Art Rosenwald Collection, Louisiana State University Library, Baton Rouge, 1960, no. 15.

1965

  • Master Prints from the Rosenwald Collection, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, 1965, no. 4, repro.

1968

  • L'Incisione Europea dal XV al XX Secolo, Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna, Turin, Italy, 1968. no. 33, repro.

1971

  • Albrecht Dürer: The Early Graphic Works, Princeton University Art Museum, NJ, 1971, no. 16, repro.

1973

  • Prints of the Italian Renaissance, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1973, no. 71.

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.13 (b).

2002

  • Langdale, Shelley. Battle of the Nudes: Pollaiuolo's Renaissance Masterpiece. Exh.cat. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2002, no. 28 (state ii/ii).

Wikidata ID

Q65018948

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