Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors c. 1512 - 1515

This vibrant drawing, ‘Mock Joust of War,’ was made anonymously with ink and watercolor on paper. The artist employed traditional techniques to depict a scene of medieval pageantry. The qualities of the paper support the delicate linework and translucent washes of color. The even surface allows for precise details in the armor and horse trappings, while the watercolor brings a sense of depth and movement. The drawing evokes the skilled traditions of manuscript illumination and heraldic art. The artwork has social significance as it reflects the culture of chivalry and aristocratic display. The mock joust, a playful interpretation of warfare, suggests a society where martial skills were both admired and satirized. The labor invested in creating such detailed images speaks to the patronage systems of the time, and the importance of visual representation in social and political life. This challenges the notion of craft being separate from fine art, as both require skill, knowledge, and creative expression.