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

This watercolor, titled "Mock Joust of War with Flying and Exploding Shields," was anonymously made on paper, without a specific date, or location. The artwork depicts two knights engaged in a jousting match, but with a twist. The shields are exploding into shards, introducing an element of fantasy and spectacle. This image speaks to the performative aspects of medieval culture, where jousts were not only military exercises but also elaborate displays of wealth and social status. The lack of specificity about the artist and date is interesting: it forces us to consider its social context rather than the individual genius of the artist. Perhaps the artwork served a didactic purpose within a knightly order, or it may have been a satirical comment on the rituals of chivalry. To fully understand its purpose, one might research medieval tournaments, heraldry, and the social hierarchies of the time. The image serves as a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.