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

This drawing, of unknown date and authorship, is rendered with pen, ink, and watercolor on paper. The seemingly spontaneous lines capture a mock jousting scene, with two knights colliding on horseback. Consider the materials: humble paper, common ink, and pigments easily suspended in water. These are not the costly materials of a formal commission, but those of a sketch. The artist's skill lies not in technical virtuosity, but in conveying a sense of dynamic movement. The lines, though simple, suggest the weight of armor, the energy of the horses, and the chaos of battle. The lightness of the paper allows us to consider the context of the artwork. In the hierarchical world of arms and heraldry, such images played an important role of celebrating noble pastimes. But the accessibility of the materials also suggests a wider audience, perhaps even a playful subversion of aristocratic ideals. It invites us to consider how making and materials contribute to the artwork’s meaning.