Artwork

Italian Joust of Peace

Italian Joust of Peace, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514
Italian Joust of Peace, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514

Italian Joust of Peace 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

Italian Joust of Peace is a 16th-century drawing created by a German artist, executed in pen and brown ink with watercolor over black chalk on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a pivotal moment in a jousting match between two armored knights on horseback, with one knight's lance splintering against the other's breastplate, conveying the intensity and drama of the chivalric event.

Technique & Style

Characterized by elaborate details on the knights' armor and horses, the work features a watercolor glaze that imparts a shiny, wet appearance to the armor. Notably, the artist left the background blank, focusing attention on the central clash.

History & Provenance

The artwork is currently part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., though its specific provenance history prior to this is not detailed here.

Context

As a quick study rather than a finished piece, Italian Joust of Peace offers insight into the artist's preliminary creative process, likely intended for further development or as a sketch for a more elaborate work.

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.