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

This anonymous watercolor drawing titled "Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields" from around 1512-1515 depicts a humorous scene of two knights engaged in a joust. The knights, clad in armor and mounted on horses, have fallen to the ground in a tangle of limbs and weaponry. The artist uses vibrant colors and detailed brushstrokes to capture the humor of the event, portraying the knights in a comical, exaggerated fashion. The scene likely mocks the seriousness of medieval warfare while highlighting the absurdity of jousting traditions. This work provides a glimpse into the social commentary and artistic trends of the early 16th century, a period that witnessed a shift in artistic styles and the growing popularity of satire.