Historical Context
In 1508, as the Venetian trading republic secured more influence in northern Italy, Pope Julius II created the League of Cambrai. This was an anti-Venetian alliance consisting of the Papal States, France, Holy Roman Empire, Spain and the Duchy of Ferrara.
By 1512 however that alliance had morphed into the Holy League. Venice was now allied with the Papal States while France and the Duchy of Ferrara were ousted. Their armies would meet at the Battle of Ravenna. The Spanish and the Papal States were routed by the Franco-Ferrarese alliance, with 9,000 losses.
The war would last four more years and involve more alliance switching - but in the end, the Franco-Venetian alliance which had been formed in 1513 was victorious.
Painting Info
Location painted: Ravenna, Italy
Related Events
- 1512-04-11 Battle of Ravenna: French forces under Gaston de Foix defeat the Holy League in a major battle of the Italian Wars
