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

"Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields" is an anonymous watercolor drawing that dates to the early 16th century. The drawing depicts two knights engaged in a mock joust, with one knight falling from his horse after being impaled by the spear of the other. The detail and composition are indicative of the artist's skills in depicting the intricacies of combat. The drawing is likely intended to be humorous and satirical, emphasizing the absurdity of war. It is a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century Italian culture and the artist's ability to capture the visual drama of a joust.