Artwork

Foot Combat with Halberds

Foot Combat with Halberds, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514
Foot Combat with Halberds, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514

Foot Combat with Halberds 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

This 16th-century German drawing, titled Foot Combat with Halberds, measures 33.9 × 26 cm and is executed in pen and black ink with watercolor on laid paper. It depicts a dynamic scene of two armored figures engaged in combat.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows two knights in elaborate armor and plumed helmets fighting with halberds, capturing a moment of intense movement. The level of detail in their armor and the halberds suggests a focus on the intricacies of medieval combat.

Technique & Style

The artist employed pen and black ink with watercolor to achieve a high level of precision and detail, particularly in the rendering of the armor and halberds. The use of these mediums allowed for a nuanced representation of the scene.

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.