Artwork

Foot Combat with Awl Pikes

Foot Combat with Awl Pikes, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514
Foot Combat with Awl Pikes, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514

Foot Combat with Awl Pikes is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist German 16th Century. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Foot Combat with Awl Pikes is a 16th-century German drawing executed in pen and black ink with watercolor on laid paper. It depicts a intense combat scene between two armored figures.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows two fighters engaged in close combat, wielding awl pikes that resemble long nails attached to poles. The scene is characterized by detailed renderings of armor and weapons, suggesting a focus on the intricacies of 16th-century German martial practices.

Technique & Style

The artwork features intricate etched lines that convey the texture of the fighters' armor, including the dents on their helmets. Watercolor glazing adds a subtle sheen to the armor, set against the rough texture of the paper.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 16th Century

Artist

German 16th Century

A German artist from the late 1500s drew lively scenes of knights clashing in parades and mock battles.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.