RUSTICI, Giovanni Francesco (b. 1475, Firenze, d. 1554, Tours) |
Battle scene1520sTerracotta, height 47 cm Musée du Louvre, Paris | |
Vasari recorded that Rustici modelled in terracotta some groups of horses with men on or under them, and several survive (Bargello and Palazzo Vecchio, Florence; Louvre, Paris). They recall studies made by Leonardo da Vinci for his fresco of the Battle of Anghiari; some have scowling faces that closely reflect his studies of faces distorted by the rage of battle. This terracotta model shows a knight defending himself against four foot-soldiers. It is a free interpretation of Leonardo's studies of soldiers fighting. |