Battle of the Nudes

Florentine goldsmith, painter and sculptor Antonio Pollaiulo made only one print during his career, which was intended to showcase his skills. For his subject, he chose a fierce battle, in which he portrayed combatants in various poses. The central two swordsmen are mirror images, as if representing the same sculpted figure simultaneously from different sides. The result is one of the most ambitious engravings of the Renaissance.

Battle of the Nudes

Florentine goldsmith, painter and sculptor Antonio Pollaiulo made only one print during his career, which was intended to showcase his skills. For his subject, he chose a fierce battle, in which he portrayed combatants in various poses. The central two swordsmen are mirror images, as if representing the same sculpted figure simultaneously from different sides. The result is one of the most ambitious engravings of the Renaissance.