La battaglia di Anghiari

A legendary masterpiece, lost to the ages, yet still captivating art lovers with its tumultuous energy and beauty.

The story behind the painting

In 1504, Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by Piero Soderini to create a fresco in the Salone dei Cinquecento of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The painting, The Battle of Anghiari, was meant to commemorate a battle in 1440 where the Florentine forces defeated the Sienese. Da Vinci spent a year preparing, but his innovative technique using walnut oil and gesso proved unstable, causing the colors to drip and intermingle. Abandoning the project, he left the unfinished work on site. For decades, it was admired by visitors and artists, but ultimately, it was destroyed and replaced by Giorgio Vasari's frescoes in 1563-65.

What to look for

The drawing, The Battle of the Standard, housed in the Louvre, is a testament to da Vinci's vision. It depicts four men on raging war horses, engaged in a fierce struggle for possession of a standard. The composition showcases da Vinci's mastery of dynamic movement and intense emotions. The horses' muscles ripple beneath their sleek coats as they rear and collide, while the men's faces contort in effort and fury. This preparatory study conveys the turmoil and power that defined the original painting.

Meaning and intent

The Battle of Anghiari was meant to symbolize the triumph of Florence over its enemies, echoing the city's rich history of military victories. Da Vinci's work was not just a representation of a battle but an expression of the city's pride and resilience. The painting's central theme of conflict and competition reflects the artist's fascination with human emotion and the dynamics of power.

Legacy

Though the original painting is lost, its impact on art history endures. The Battle of Anghiari influenced Peter Paul Rubens' Hippopotamus Hunt, showcasing da Vinci's lasting legacy. The Louvre's drawing remains a powerful example of da Vinci's artistry, inspiring awe and curiosity about the unfinished masterpiece that once adorned the Palazzo Vecchio's walls.