Allegorical Theme: Combat of Animals
Master of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist
1518
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Master of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist
1518
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a wild mix of animals and people tangled in a chaotic fight. A bearded man holds a round shield while a lion, ram, and other creatures clash around him. In the background, a cityscape sits quietly, almost ignored by the chaos below. The artist packed lots of movement into every line—no space is empty. Notice how the animals’ muscles and fur are drawn with sharp, twisting strokes, making them look fierce and alive. Next, check out the Renaissance movement to see how artists used drama and symbolism like this.
![Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/2510247af42f8c24/thumb.webp)
