The Battle of the Four Elements, I.P., 1663
cutting, h c.24cm More details
This enigmatic sculpture portrays the fundamental conflict between the four cosmic elements – Earth, Water, Air and Fire – personified as four fighting nude figures. They symbolize the instability of humanity and the world. The maker, the unknown Master I.P., was inspired by a painting of this virtually unique subject. He carved the group out of the trunk of a box tree, the bark of which is still partly visible.
