Artwork

Foot Combat with Daggers

Foot Combat with Daggers, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514
Foot Combat with Daggers, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514

Foot Combat with Daggers 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.

Inscription
Inscribed:upper left by unknown hand in graphite: [undecipherable]; upper right by unknown hand in graphite: P 155; center by unknown hand in graphite: 8; lower left on mount in black ink: 54; lower right on mount in black ink: A 155

About this work

You see two armored figures fighting with daggers. They are in a intense stance, ready to attack. Their armor and poses show a lot of detail, which was a focus of artists back then.

The way the figures are drawn gives a sense of movement. The artist paid close attention to how the armor and clothes fold and bend.

Check out the work of the artist: German 16th Century.

Overview

This 16th-century German drawing captures a dynamic scene of two armored figures engaged in intense foot combat with daggers, rendered in meticulous detail.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork focuses on the tactical use of daggers in close-quarters combat, providing a historical glimpse into 16th-century martial practices and their visual representation.

Technique & Style

Executed in pen and black ink with watercolor and subtle black chalk underdrawing, the piece showcases the artist's attention to the dynamic folds of armor and clothing, conveying a sense of movement through detailed, realistic poses.

History & Provenance

Attributed to a German artist of the 16th century, specific details about the artwork's creation, ownership history, or exhibition record are not provided in the available information.

Context

Reflecting the artistic priorities of its time, the drawing emphasizes detailed realism, characteristic of German Renaissance art's focus on precision and anatomical accuracy.

Legacy

As a rare visual document of 16th-century combat techniques, the drawing holds significance for historians of martial arts and Renaissance military practices, though its broader influence on art or popular culture is not specified.

Foot Combat with Daggers
Foot Combat with Daggers, German 16th Century

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 16th Century

Artist

German 16th Century

A German artist of the late 1500s drew knights clashing in parades and mock battles, filling sheets with detailed ink colored lightly in watercolor: soldiers mid-joust, shields flying, foot soldiers sparring with spears.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Foot Combat with Daggers?

Foot Combat with Daggers was painted by German 16th Century in 1514.

Where can I see Foot Combat with Daggers?

Foot Combat with Daggers is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Foot Combat with Daggers?

Foot Combat with Daggers is associated with Renaissance.