Clearly based on classical antiquity (the cultures of ancient greece and rome), the print is monumental in size (approximately 15 x 23 inches) and, because of its shallow space, resembles ancient roman relief sculpture In the picture, five men wearing headbands fight against an. Another interpretation suggests that the ten nude figures locked in combat may be gladiators fighting in funeral games, and the print itself may have commemorated the death of a prominent florentine Pollaiuolo's apparent interest is to describe the human body in a state of action, in varied poses, and from different angles. Battle of the nudes 1470/1475 antonio del pollaiuolo artist, italian, c This engraving is one of the earliest renaissance prints to portray the nude male body in action
Antonio del pollaiuolo's grimacing warriors appear like clones in different poses The print may have functioned as a model for workshop apprentices studying human anatomy while learning to draw However, the artist's latin signature suggests it also had an audience educated in literature An authentic icon in the history of engraving, this is one of the most famous of the many images reproduced using the new printing methods of the early renaissance, and the first work to be clearly signed by its maker. Detail, antonio pollaiuolo, battle of ten nudes (or battle of nude men), c The exact meaning of this engraving has not been identified, but the subject of nudes is typical of the renaissance interest in human anatomy
Let us look first at his engraving known as the battle of the nudes. what is it that makes us return to this sheet with ever renewed, ever increased pleasure Surely it is not the hideous faces of most of the figures and their scarcely less hideous bodies.
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