Who painted Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors?

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors was painted by German 16th Century in 1514.

Where can I see Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors?

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors?

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors

German 16th Century , 1514

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors 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. The work, a drawing on laid paper measuring roughly 33 by 26 centimetres, portrays a staged jousting encounter.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper right by unknown hand in brown ink: 91; upper right by unknown hand in black in: 4; lower left on mount in black ink: 91; lower right on mount in black ink: A 125

About this work

Overview

The work, a drawing on laid paper measuring roughly 33 by 26 centimetres, portrays a staged jousting encounter. Two heavily armored riders on rearing horses are shown amid a flurry of shields that appear to hover in the air, suggesting a fanciful, non‑combatant contest rather than a lethal tournament.

Subject & Meaning

The scene draws on German martial imagery of the sixteenth century, yet subverts the seriousness of a true joust by presenting the combatants in a mock or theatrical pose. The floating shields, notably lacking the typical beveled edges, reinforce the playful, almost surreal atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the ritual’s performative aspects.

Technique & Style

Executed with pen and black ink over a foundation of black chalk, the artist builds colour through successive washes of watercolor. This glazing method produces layered tones that give the metal armor a subtle sheen, while the delicate ink lines define the figures and the ethereal shields, balancing detail with a light, airy quality.

History & Provenance

The drawing is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Its acquisition details are recorded by the museum, where it is catalogued among works that explore historical martial themes through drawing and watercolor techniques.

Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors, 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.