The Nine Heroes: Arthur, Charles the Great (Charlemagne), Godfrey of Bouillon
1516
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1516
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This black-and-white print shows three armored men on horseback, each holding a banner with Latin names. The scene looks chaotic, with swirling trees, shields, and weapons tangled around the riders. One horse rears up, while another sinks into the ground like quicksand. The men wear helmets with plumes, and their faces are serious, almost stern. The names on the banners—like *Artus Rex* (Arthur the King) and *Codefridus Billonius*—hint these are legendary warriors. The messy, crowded style makes it feel like a story packed with action and history. Look up Lucas van Leyden to see how he used this kind of dramatic printmaking.
