Artwork

Foot Combat with Pikes

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

Foot Combat with 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 Pikes is a 16th-century drawing created by a German artist around 1515. It measures 33.8 × 26.3 cm and is executed in pen and black ink with watercolor over black chalk on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a battle scene between soldiers armed with pikes and wearing detailed armor, capturing the intensity of the clash. The armor style suggests a pre-firearms era, making the work a representation of medieval warfare.

Technique & Style

The artist employed fine lines and soft colors to convey motion and detail, showcasing a high level of craftsmanship. The style is reminiscent of detailed battle drawings by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, characterized by precise rendering and attention to armor and weaponry.

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.