The Storming of Nantes
1514
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
About the artist
Artist
Hans Burgkmair the Elder
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
See the richer artist page1514
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The Storming of Nantes is a 1514 by Hans Burgkmair the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
The Storming of Nantes shows a town under attack. Armored cavalry and infantry are fighting. The scene is chaotic, with soldiers using halberds and pikes. The town is ringed by artillery, which is a key part of the battle. This woodcut is interesting because it shows a specific type of warfare. It highlights the use of close combat weapons, which were important in battles like this. Look up the technique of chiaroscuro to learn more about how artists create depth in scenes like this.
In this woodcut armored cavalry with lances approach from the left. The town itself is ringed by artillery, as attacking infantry rush through the breached fortifications. Note the use of halberds and pikes, close combat weapons in which the main fighting part is fitted to the end of a long shaft, typically of wood, which extends the user's range and striking power.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German artist, born in Augsburg.
See the richer artist page
