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Allegorical Theme: Combat of Animals

Master of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist

1518

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

Allegorical Theme: Combat of Animals is a 1518 ink by Master of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Master of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist
When & what style?: 1518 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a wild mix of animals fighting in a rocky, tangled mess. A bearded man leans in, holding up a round shield with a face on it. The scene looks chaotic—snakes, lions, and strange creatures twist together. Trees and ruins peek out in the background, like a half-built city. The artist used sharp lines and shading to make the scene look rough and busy. This was a common way to show drama back then. Want to see how this style works? Check out engraving.