Landsknechte, Hans Holbein der Jüngere
A FIGHT OF LANDSKNECHTE 161 the utmost vivacity and close adherence to truth. It is, according to Dr. Ganz, a work of Holbeins last residence in Basel, probably madejust before his return to England in 1532. In the foreground of thefight two men are at close quarters, one of whom, with sword whirlingover his head, grips the hair of his opponent, who is striking at histhroat with a long dagger. On either side of them two soldiers areforcing a space round them with enormous pikes, while behind is agreat crowd of shouting, panting, and struggling men, whose lances,dashed in with a few hasty strokes, stand out against the sky withan extraordinary effect both of number and movement. In the hottestpart of the fight one combatant uplifts a great double-handed sword,while another protects his face with his raised drum. Beneath theirfeet are many trampled bodies and shattered weapons. The com-position is a very fine one, and the draughtsmanship of extraordinaryvigour and vitality.
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