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This is a drawing of a battle scene with a mythical element. The drawing depicts a chaotic battle scene filled with numerous figures, armed and in combat. One figure stands prominently in the center, gesturing. Another figure is clad in armor. A unique element in the drawing is the depiction of a goat riding a fish with a sprouting flower, positioned in the clouds above the battle. The composition is circular, drawn with light colors and fluid lines capturing movement and energy.
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This is a drawing of a battle scene with a mythical element. The drawing depicts a chaotic battle scene filled with numerous figures, armed and in combat. One figure stands prominently in the center, gesturing. Another figure is clad in armor. A unique element in the drawing is the depiction of a goat riding a fish with a sprouting flower, positioned in the clouds above the battle. The composition is circular, drawn with light colors and fluid lines capturing movement and energy.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Allegory on the Turkish Wars

Hans von Aachen

Date
c. 1600
Medium
pen and brown and black inks with watercolor over graphite on laid paper
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 11.2 cm (4 7/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1983.74.1
Credit line
Julius S. Held Collection, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • War
  • government
  • allegory
Provenance

Unidentified collector (Lugt 622)

Inscription

upper left verso: 91 V.M.[?]; lower right verso in red: 9[87?]; lower right verso: FS

Watermarks

Grape

NGA object ID 62595. 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.