Holders of currencies and gold jewelry, trophies royal armor with pilasters 1500

Andrea Mantegna created this print, “Holders of Currencies and Gold Jewelry, Trophies Royal Armor with Pilasters,” using engraving techniques. The work bursts with activity. Clusters of figures press forward in tight formation, weighed down with riches and war spoils. The composition is structured with a horizontal flow, reinforced by the backs of the figures. This is neatly contrasted by the vertical fluting of the pilaster on the right, which not only frames the frenetic scene but also provides a sense of classical order. Mantegna presents more than just a procession; he explores how the formal elements can convey ideas of value and triumph. Through his masterful use of line, he highlights the status and weight—literal and symbolic—of the objects. Ultimately, Mantegna uses form to destabilize traditional perceptions of power and wealth. He invites a deeper look at how we construct meaning around these concepts through visual representation.