Artwork

Italian Joust of Peace

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

Italian Joust of Peace is a chalk 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 drawing depicts a jousting scene, rendered in pen and brown ink with watercolor over black chalk and leadpoint on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

Two armored knights on horseback engage in a joust, their lances clashing in mid-air. The scene is one of dynamic tension, with one lance splintering against the other's armor, conveying a sense of energy and movement.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of techniques, including watercolor washes and glazing, to achieve a sense of luminosity and texture. The use of thin brushes and watery colors adds to the drawing's sense of delicacy and precision.

History & Provenance

Created by a German artist in the 16th century, the drawing is now housed at the National Gallery of Art.

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.