Open full image Pin
Foot Combat with Halberds, by German 16th Century, ink, 1514

Foot Combat with Halberds

German 16th Century

1514

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Dominant colour

Overview

Foot Combat with Halberds is a 1514 ink by German 16th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?
German 16th Century
When & what style?
1514 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?
National Gallery of Art

About this work

Two armored knights clash in a spiked dance. One lunges with a halberd, its axe blade glinting over a plumed helmet. The other raises a shield, armor creaking under the strain. This isn’t just a fight scene. It’s a drill guide. Halberds were real weapons, but this looks like practice moves, maybe for nobles learning war. The artist used pen, ink, and watercolor to show muscle and metal with sharp lines and soft washes. Next, try the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

About the artist

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.

See the richer artist page

More by German 16th Century

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app