The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of July 11, 2026

A horizontally oriented engraving depicts a crowded battle between muscular men and ornate ships. To the left, a bird-shaped vessel carries armored figures through crashing waves and sea horses. In the foreground center, a warrior stands over a fallen opponent. Right and background, massive ships overflow with combatants. Dense, intricate line work creates deep shadows across the composition, emphasizing the chaotic and violent struggle throughout the churning sea.

Trojans Repelling the Greeks

1538

Giovanni Battista Scultori

(Italian, 1503–1575)

after Giulio Romano

(Italian, 1499–1546)
Italy
engraving
Image: 40.6 x 58.6 cm (16 x 23 1/16 in.)
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 2025.201
Location: 101A Prints & Drawings

Did You Know?

Recounted in Homer’s Iliad, the story of the Trojan War stood at the heart of classical antiquity and profoundly influenced Renaissance artists, who found in its battles enduring themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the clash of great powers.

Description

Trojans Repelling the Greeks depicts an unspecified battle from the Trojan War fought simultaneously on land and sea. As the Trojans drive the Greeks into the water, the ships’ figureheads merge with seahorses, while the intricate armor makes it hard to distinguish between the two sides. Working in Giulio Romano’s studio in Mantua, Scultori likely drew from multiple sources, including a fragmentary ancient relief. His precise, sculptural engraving style, marked by deep shadows and intricate dotting, produces a sculptural surface.
  • The Renaissance Engraver at Work. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (July 5-November 1, 2026).
  • {{cite web|title=Trojans Repelling the Greeks|url=false|author=Giovanni Battista Scultori, Giulio Romano|year=1538|access-date=11 July 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2025.201