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

Editor: Here we have "Mock Joust of War with Flying Shields and Without Bevors" made around 1512 to 1515 by an anonymous artist, rendered in drawing and watercolor. There’s almost something cartoonish about it to my eye, though the subject is quite serious... What's your take on this? Curator: Well, the charm is undeniable, isn't it? These armored figures are jousting, but something’s delightfully *off*. Is it war, or play? It teeters charmingly on the edge. Look at how meticulously each piece of armor is rendered, then juxtapose that with those almost comically exaggerated plumes and floating elements. Doesn't it make you wonder if it's more a satirical comment on the pageantry of war, rather than a celebration of it? Editor: Absolutely, especially those floating shields! Were these types of jousts actually common in the Renaissance era? Curator: That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? This feels both historical and wildly imaginative. Perhaps this was more symbolic, an artistic exploration of martial ideals more than a depiction of literal events. It's as if the artist were saying, “Here's the theatre of war,” and then inviting us to find the humor within. Notice the handwritten notes at the top, what could that have indicated? Editor: That's true. They're an added mystery to this piece, further removing the viewer from knowing the intent. I really like that idea of theater! I find that it pushes back on my first, simplistic response, and encourages me to linger on the pageantry more. Curator: Exactly! It's a delightful push and pull, a reminder that art can be playful even when engaging with serious subject matter. It almost feels modern in its deconstruction. And the Renaissance loved a good layer of meaning. Editor: Definitely something to chew on! Thanks for that reframing.