Capricci di varie battaglie

Capricci di varie battaglie

Johann Wilhelm Baur

1635

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a chaotic battle scene. A man in armor stands on a rocky hill, holding a spear and looking down at a group of fallen soldiers. Above him, a horse rears up in the sky, as if pulled by invisible forces. The ground is cluttered with trees, rocks, and scattered bodies. The artist used sharp lines to create drama and movement, almost like a sketch that’s been scratched into the surface. This style was common in etchings of the time. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this made prints with needles and acid.

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