Paolo Uccello: The Battle of San Romano, Panel 1 - Niccolò da Tolentino Leads the Florentine Troops (1435-1460)

(National Gallery, London, UK)

This is the first panel of a set of three. This sets depicts the battle of San Romano, 1 June 1432, a battle between the Republic of Florence and Republic of Siena. the outcome of the battle is disputed as both parties claimed victory. The Florentine leader Niccolò da Tolentino ordered these paintings to commemorate the battle. In this first panel we can see Niccolò da Tolentino, with the red and golden hat, himself leading the Florentine knights. Niccolò da Tolentino isn't wearing a helmet to illustrate his recklessness and bravery. In the top center you can see 2 knights who are riding away. They are messengers, sent by Niccolò da Tolentino to his ally, the Italian condottiero Micheletto Attendolo, to hurry to his aid. On the ground there are several broken lances and a dead body. They were arranged by Uccello to create the effect of perspective. This painting was created in the period 1435-1460.