Battle Scene

Unknown

model third quarter 16th century (cast late 16th or 17th century) · Copper alloy with a light brown patina. · Robert Lehman Collection

This piece is the central decoration of a shield or the foot of a tazza, in the shape of a circular shield decorated with a continuous all’antica battle scene. Such imagery was particularly popular in sixteenth-century Southern Germany, as demonstrated by the prints of Hans Sebald Beham, Barthel Beham, and Jost Amman. The high quality of this composition, with a remarkable variety of poses, suggests that the modeler was inspired by a detailed design (drawing or print) or by a larger model, possibly a shield. These scenes were often used to decorate dagger sheaths, helmets, gorgets, shields, and other forms of arms and armor. The Lehman object is an old aftercast, possibly dating from the late sixteenth or seventeenth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

model third quarter 16th century (cast late 16th or 17th century)

Medium

Copper alloy with a light brown patina.

Culture

South German or North Italian

Department

Robert Lehman Collection

Credit line

Robert Lehman Collection, 1975