The Third Tournament
1509
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1509
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Third Tournament is a 1509 ink by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This woodcut is packed with tiny figures in a chaotic battle scene. Soldiers clash with swords and spears, while horses and knights tumble in the foreground. The background is crowded with more fighters, some on foot, others on horseback, all tangled in a mess of weapons and armor. Notice the small, detailed faces and armor—each figure looks distinct despite the crowd. The artist used sharp lines to create depth and movement, making it feel like a swirling storm of conflict. This is a great example of a woodcut—a printmaking technique where the artist carves an image into wood.
