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

This engaging drawing of a joust, made by an anonymous artist, probably dates to the late medieval period. It is rendered with pen and ink on paper, with watercolor washes adding color. The relatively humble materials speak to the drawing's function, likely made as a record of courtly life, or as a design for a more elaborate artwork. The artist was clearly fascinated by the materiality of the scene represented: the gleaming metal of the helmets and armor, the supple leather of the saddles, the heavy wooden lances, and of course the flesh of the horses and riders. Consider, too, the labor involved in both real jousts, and their representation in art. The making of armor was a highly specialized craft, with years of apprenticeship required to master the techniques of metalworking. This drawing gives us a glimpse into a world where skill, training, and social status were inextricably linked. It reminds us that even seemingly simple artworks can be rich with historical and cultural significance.