The First Naval Battle
1614
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1614
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a chaotic naval battle with ships packed tight on the water. Sailors scramble on deck, cannons point at enemy vessels, and smoke or spray swirls around. The ships are detailed with ropes, sails, and flags, while tiny figures fight hand-to-hand on the decks. Notice how the artist used fine lines to build up shadows and texture—this is called cross-hatching. The scene is packed with action but also precise, showing how ships and weapons worked in real battles. Try looking up cross-hatching to see how artists create depth with just lines.
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