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This is a detailed drawing featuring mythological figures interacting with sea creatures in a dynamic scene. The composition shows muscular figures holding tridents or other tools, intertwined with fantastical sea creatures and horse-like beings emerging from the water. The figures are depicted in motion, surrounded by waves, aquatic life, shells, and seaweed. The artwork is characterized by intricate line work and cross-hatching, creating detailed textures and a strong sense of movement.
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This is a detailed drawing featuring mythological figures interacting with sea creatures in a dynamic scene. The composition shows muscular figures holding tridents or other tools, intertwined with fantastical sea creatures and horse-like beings emerging from the water. The figures are depicted in motion, surrounded by waves, aquatic life, shells, and seaweed. The artwork is characterized by intricate line work and cross-hatching, creating detailed textures and a strong sense of movement.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Battle of the Sea Gods [left half]

Andrea Mantegna

Date
before 1481
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 30.4 × 43.1 cm (11 15/16 × 16 15/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.9085
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Paduan
  • engraving
  • virtues and vices
  • allegory
  • Envy
Watermarks

‘N’ or Butterfly in a Circle

NGA object ID 11594. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.