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

This anonymous watercolor painting from the early 16th century depicts a mock joust between two knights on horseback. The artist, unknown but possibly from the German-speaking region of Europe, captured the spectacle of a medieval tournament with meticulous detail. The knights are adorned with elaborate armor and colorful livery, their shields flying through the air as they clash lances. The scene, a testament to the artistic interest in chivalry and pageantry during the Renaissance, is presented in a lively yet stylized manner, reflecting the visual conventions of the time.