Battle scene

Vasari recorded that Rustici modelled in terracotta some groups of horses with men on or under them, and several survive (Bargello and Palazzo Vecchio, Florence; Louvre, Paris). They recall studies made by Leonardo da Vinci for his fresco of the Battle of Anghiari; some have scowling faces that closely reflect his studies of faces distorted by the rage of battle.

This terracotta model shows a knight defending himself against four foot-soldiers. It is a free interpretation of Leonardo’s studies of soldiers fighting.