The Art of War

The violence and pageantry envelop you. Walking from the entrance along the outer walls, the battle of Pavia unfolds chronologically, replete with incredibly detailed hand-sewn images.

The current exhibit on display at the Kimbell’s Renzo Piano Pavilion through mid-September — Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries — recounts the Battle of Pavia, which saw Holy Roman Emperor Charles V defeat King François I in a battle that shaped modern Europe. 

This was my first time viewing Renaissance tapestry, and it’s clear why the victors of that battle chose this medium. The artwork’s sheer size and incredible fidelity demand attention, and the lighting hits evenly across the surface, leaving no glares or dark areas commonly found in massive paintings from that period.  

Courtesy Kimbell Art Museum

The artworks aren't without tinges of propaganda. The French army appears anything but heroic as they flee across rivers in retreat, often drowning in an almost comical style. Firearms — a decisive weapon in the 1525 battle — were a new invention at the time, and the Holy Roman Army made early use of rifles on the battlefield at the Battle of Pavia. Multiple scenes depict the riflemen aiming at French armored infantry.

One of my favorite parts of the exhibition was the showcase of armor. Several display cases in the center of the gallery hold firearms, swords, and armor that were either used or could have been used at the battle. The large sewn centerpieces of Art and War in the Renaissance are a reminder of the power of art as a storytelling device and repository of historical knowledge.

Stay social with the Kimbell’s Happy Hour on July 5, featuring the Allegro Guitar Society.