Mock Joust of War with Flying and Exploding Shields c. 1512 - 1515

This anonymous watercolor, "Mock Joust of War with Flying and Exploding Shields," depicts two armored knights on horseback engaged in a mock joust. The detailed depiction of their armor and the dynamic movement of the horses suggests a keen interest in the specifics of medieval warfare. The shields of the knights are shattered and flying through the air, highlighting the dramatic and exaggerated nature of this mock battle. This drawing, dating back to the early 16th century, is a fascinating glimpse into the world of chivalry and military spectacle in Renaissance Europe.