Who painted Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors?

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors was painted by German 16th Century in 1514.

Where can I see Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors?

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors?

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors

German 16th Century , 1514

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors 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. This 16th-century German drawing, measuring 33.

About this work

One sheet shows a wild joust with riders in full armor. Their horses charge side by side. Shields fly off like frisbees. The armor looks heavy and real.

The artist mixed watercolor with ink for bright colors. The flying shields feel playful, not serious. This was rare in 1515.

It’s easy to miss this small sheet at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

This 16th-century German drawing, measuring 33.1 × 26.2 cm, captures a lively jousting scene in pen, black ink, watercolor, and black chalk on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts armored riders on charging horses, engaged in a 'joust of war' with an unusual twist: shields are either flying through the air or depicted without bevors (the lower part of a shield), introducing a sense of playfulness uncommon in contemporary representations of jousting.

Technique & Style

The artist combined media to achieve contrasting effects: the precision of pen and black ink defines the heavy, realistic armor, while watercolor adds bright, vibrant tones, enhancing the dynamic and somewhat whimsical atmosphere of the flying shields.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1515, this small, potentially overlooked drawing is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Context

The playfulness of the flying shields distinguishes this work from the more serious, traditional depictions of jousting prevalent during the early 16th century in Germany.