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

This watercolor drawing, "Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields" (c. 1512-1515), depicts a humorous scene of a jousting match gone wrong. The anonymous artist captures the chaotic energy of the event as the two knights, their horses tangled in a heap, are thrown from their mounts. Their shields, now useless, lie on the ground. The artist's lighthearted treatment of the subject matter suggests a playful satire of the chivalric tradition, reflecting the changing attitudes towards war and courtly ideals during the early 16th century. The drawing's small size, typical of sketches of the time, highlights its intimate and personal nature.