
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of two figures swordfighting. The central figures have exaggerated expressions and are clashing swords. The left figure holds a sword labeled "Perkin" and defends with a shield labeled "Rare Ben," while the right figure wields a sword labeled "Hypocrisy" and carries a shield or scroll labeled "Ignorance." In the background, there are two additional figures observing the scene. The figures are dressed in period clothing and stand with a formal posture. The drawing has a theatrical or allegorical theme. The style resembles 17th-century satirical prints with woodcut-like detailing and use of lines.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Battle with Swords
Unknown Artist
- Date
- c. 1710
- Medium
- woodcut
- Dimensions
- sheet: 10.3 × 16.2 cm (4 1/16 × 6 3/8 in.)
- Classification
- Print · Historical Portrait
- Accession number
- 1950.14.1293
- Credit line
- Rosenwald Collection
- Time span
- 1701 to 1725
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Unknown
Provenance
Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891 - 1979], Philadelphia, (L.1932d); gift to NGA, 1950.
NGA object ID 38931. 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.