Abstract
The article aims to compare visual and narrative reports of the battle of Fornovo (1495), the first encounter of the Italian Wars (1494-1559), and to reflect on the possibility of credible or authentic reconstruction of a battle action by visual sources. For this purpose, we have selected two important texts – “combat reports” of direct participants of the battle, including the one of a French writer and diplomat Philippe de Commines, and the other, made by surgeon general of Venetian army Alessandro Benedetti. An anonymous engraving “the Battle of Fornovo” printed on two sheets circa 1495 represents visual sources. Close analysis of both texts and the engraving shows not only a widespread compliance in general battle accounts, but all finest details of the narrations as well. Contemporary texts and artefacts confirm the accuracy of the depiction of arms, armour, and battle clothes, military strategy and practices. Most interesting thing lies in the special mention of stradiotes – the Greek and Balkan light mounted mercenary troops on Venetian service, which has striking analogies with the panel “Battle of Orsha” (circa 1525-1530) from the National Museum in Warsaw, Poland. As it appears, the anonymous master of “the Battle of Fornovo” created the clear and readable visual military report. Despite all shortcomings of the genre, thee conclusions seems to be clear. From the chaos of details the anonymous engraver, using unpretentious figurative techniques, scrupulously built a connected, structured, verified and humorous story about the clash of the Italian and French troops in the Taro River valley which took place on July 6, 1495. The visual story in every detail coincides with the accounts of the battle participants. From visual historical source, one should not expect more. Key words: battle, Fornovo, engraving, Italian wars.
Highlights
The article aims to compare visual and narrative reports of the battle of Fornovo (1495), the first encounter of the Italian Wars (1494-1559), and to reflect on the possibility of "credible" or "authentic" reconstruction of a battle action by visual sources
Такі як мемуари Філіпа де Комміна і Блеза де Монлюка, або життєпис доброго рицаря» П’єра де Террайля сеньйора Баярда, авторства його зброєносця Жака де Малля, мають безсумнівну літературну вартість, а тому перевидаються і перекладаються до сьогодні
Еразм Роттердамський свого часу устами колишнього найманця Трасімахуса, персонажа «Розмов запросто» так висловився про, котрі малюють по битві усю диспозицію, так ніби вони були всюди і бачили все: «Там стояв такий ґвалт і переполох від шуму гармат, труб та бубнів, від того що коні ржуть, а люди – стріляють, що я ледве тямлю, де був сам і що робив, де вже мені знати про те, де були і що робили інші
Summary
The article aims to compare visual and narrative reports of the battle of Fornovo (1495), the first encounter of the Italian Wars (1494-1559), and to reflect on the possibility of "credible" or "authentic" reconstruction of a battle action by visual sources. Як би там не було, чи не всі авторитетні фахівці, які взяли на себе труд писати про битву – від очевидців до сучасних дослідників сходяться на тому, що основною ударною силою обох армій була рицарська кавалерія.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
