Peasants' Brawl
1547
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Sebald Beham
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
See the richer artist page1547
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Peasants' Brawl is a 1547 ink by Sebald Beham, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a chaotic fight between six shirtless men in a wooded area. They’re tangled in ropes, swinging sticks, and kicking each other. One man is on the ground, surrounded by others who seem to be pinning him down. Trees and bushes fill the background, and the scene looks messy and crowded. The artist used fine lines to show every muscle and movement, making the struggle feel real. The text at the top reads *"Aust dumich so stich ich dich"*—a pun meaning something like *"Now I stab you as I stick you"* in German. This is an example of engraving—a technique where artists etch lines into metal plates to create prints.
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
See the richer artist page
