Battle Scene with Two Horses Attacking Each Other
1592
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1592
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Battle Scene with Two Horses Attacking Each Other is a 1592 ink by Antonio Tempesta, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows two horses rearing up, teeth bared, as they clash in battle. The dark lines make the muscles stand out sharp against the empty background. You can almost hear the whinnies and hoofbeats. Tempesta used drypoint here, scratching the metal plate with a needle to create fuzzy edges that catch the light. The quick, nervous lines make the scene feel sudden and rough. Look at how the legs overlap—it’s messy, not polished. Try etching at home.
