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: 111; upper left by unknown hand in brown ink, on separate paper pasted down: Der Tuffel; lower left on mount in black ink: 111; lower right on mount in black ink: A 14
About this work
Overview
This 16th-century drawing depicts a jousting scene, rendered in pen and brown ink with watercolor over black chalk and leadpoint on laid paper. It is the work of a German artist.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows two armored knights on horseback engaged in a joust, with one lance splintering against the other's armor. The scene blends realistic armor with fanciful decorations, suggesting a ceremonial or festive context rather than a genuine battle.
Technique & Style
The artist achieved a rich visual effect by layering colors, allowing gold and blue details to stand out against the dominant brown ink. The use of multiple drawing techniques, including leadpoint and black chalk, underpins the watercolor and ink work.
History & Provenance
The drawing is housed at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
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.
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