Artwork
Italian Joust of Peace
Italian Joust of Peace 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 right by unknown hand in brown ink: 131; lower center by unknown hand in brown ink: Castelalter; lower left on mount in black ink: 131; lower right on mount in black ink: A 213
About this work
Overview
This 16th-century drawing, created by a German artist, captures a dynamic moment in a jousting tournament, featuring two armored knights on horseback in the midst of a lance clash.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a 'Joust of Peace,' a ceremonial rather than combat joust, emphasized by the elaborate decorations on the knights' armor and horses. The splintering lance against polished armor highlights the event's competitive yet controlled nature.
Technique & Style
The drawing combines pen and brown ink with watercolor over black chalk on laid paper, an uncommon technique for its time. Subtle details include tiny ink scratches to convey the shine of armor and occasional watercolor blurs, indicating rapid execution.
History & Provenance
The artwork is currently housed at the National Gallery of Art. While the specific German artist remains unnamed, stylistic similarities can be drawn to contemporaries like Albrecht Altdorfer, known for vibrant jousting scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
![Abraham Entertaining the Angels [verso], by German 16th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-16th-century--abraham-entertaining-the-angels-verso--69d1b25f4eba0a53-w320.webp)
