Artwork

Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields

Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields, by German 16th Century, watercolor, 1514
Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields, by German 16th Century, watercolor, 1514

Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields is a watercolor 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

The drawing 'Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields' is a humorous depiction of a jousting scene, rendered in a mix of media on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows two knights on horseback in the midst of a chaotic joust, with one knight fallen to the ground. The surrounding crowd watches from a balcony, reacting with amusement. The German text at the top likely provides a playful description of the scene.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of techniques, including pen and brown ink, watercolor, black chalk, and leadpoint, to create the drawing. Simple lines and bright colors contribute to the exaggerated, cartoonish quality of the figures and horses.

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.