Battle of the Nudes (2nd state)
1468
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1468
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Battle of the Nudes (2nd state) is a 1468 by Antonio del Pollaiuolo, a Renaissance work, depicting engraving proces, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
Antonio Pollaiuolo made this 1467-1470 engraving of ten nude men fighting. It’s one of the largest Renaissance prints, packed with weapons like bows, swords, and axes. Two shields lie on the ground. The scene is a mystery. Experts still debate who these men are, what battle this is, or if it even shows a real fight. The artist may have used the image to test his engraving skills. Look up the engraving process next.
