Who painted Foot Combat with Glaives?

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

Where can I see Foot Combat with Glaives?

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

What movement is Foot Combat with Glaives?

Foot Combat with Glaives is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Foot Combat with Glaives

German 16th Century , 1514

Foot Combat with Glaives 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. Created in the early sixteenth century, this modestly sized drawing measures roughly 34 by 26 centimeters.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper right by unknown hand in black ink: 50; lower left on mount in black ink: 16; lower right on mount in black ink: A 27

About this work

Overview

Created in the early sixteenth century, this modestly sized drawing measures roughly 34 by 26 centimeters. Executed with pen, black ink, and touches of watercolor on laid paper, it records a moment of martial practice rather than a battlefield episode. The composition centers on two combatants engaged in a close‑quarters exchange with polearms.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates a training drill involving glaives, long pole weapons ending in a curved blade. One figure thrusts forward while the opponent defends with a shield, their postures reflecting the formalized techniques documented in contemporary fencing manuals. The work serves as a visual study of weapon handling rather than a narrative of war.

Technique & Style

The artist employs precise, linear pen work to define the figures and their armor, while watercolor washes add modest tonal variation to the clothing and background. The crisp, controlled lines recall the graphic quality found in the prints of Albrecht Dürer, suggesting a shared aesthetic of detailed observation and clear delineation.

History & Provenance

Dating to the period between 1512 and 1515, the drawing originates from the German lands of the early Renaissance. Its survival on laid paper indicates it was likely a study or instructional sheet, possibly used by a military trainer or a workshop specializing in martial illustrations. The piece has remained in private collections before entering a museum context.

Foot Combat with Halberds, German 16th Century

Artist & collection

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.