The Battle of San Romano (Mediaeval War Painting)

This design features one of the paintings, from an original set of three, by the Florentine painter Paolo Uccello (1397–1475) depicting events that took place at the Battle of San Romano between Florentine and Sienese forces in 1432. Niccolò da Tolentino, with his large gold and red patterned hat, is seen leading the Florentine cavalry. He had a reputation for recklessness, which may be why he isn't wearing a helmet. However, he had sent two messengers to tell his allied army of Attendolo to hurry to his aid, since he is clearly facing a superior force. Broken lances, military armour and even a dead body can be seen strewn across the ground, showing the losses that have already been inflicted. The artwork was much admired in the Middle Ages, and it shows the development of linear perspective in early Italian Renaissance painting. It is now housed in the National Gallery, London.