Combats and Triumphs No. 1
1561
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1561
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Combats and Triumphs No. 1 is a 1561 by Etienne Delaune, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This print is packed with swirling figures in dramatic poses. On the left, a muscular man leans on a spear, while a woman in armor kneels beside him. To the right, another woman holds a flag, surrounded by weapons, shields, and a winged creature. The background is filled with intricate patterns—scrolls, helmets, and strange symbols—all etched in stark black and white. The scene feels like a story without words, with each figure playing a role in a larger battle or victory. The artist used sharp lines and deep shadows to create a sense of movement and tension. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama in art.
