The Battle of the Lapithæ and Centaurs

1543

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Renaissance Renaissance History Painting

Dominant colour

The Battle of the Lapithæ and Centaurs is a 1543 by Enea Vico, a Renaissance work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Enea Vico
When & what style?: 1543 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a chaotic battle between muscular human-like figures and horse-men. They’re tangled in a frenzy of weapons—spears, swords, and clubs—while some figures fall or twist in pain. In the background, a grand building with columns and arches stands empty, like a stage set for the fight. Notice how the artist packed every inch with action—no space is wasted. The figures’ bodies are twisted in dramatic poses, showing off the artist’s skill with movement and muscle. Look up Renaissance next to see how this style shaped art.

The story of this work

Overview

The engraving depicts a violent confrontation between the Lapiths and centaurs, based on a design by Nanni di Bartolo, and is dated 1543 beneath the engraver’s initials. Printed on paper, the composition is contained within an oval frame and carries the inscription “BELLVM AMAZONVM” at the upper left.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Enea Vico

Enea Vico (29 January 1523 – 18 August 1567) was an Italian engraver. Vico was born in Parma. He specialized in grotesque engravings based on antique paintings. Vico made engravings for Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke…

See the richer artist page