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

This anonymous drawing, "Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields," employs watercolor to capture a playful scene of medieval combat on a sheet measuring 34 by 26.2 centimeters. Notice the rhythmic arrangement of colors and shapes. The horizontal stripes on the horses' coverings and the riders’ attire create a visual cadence, balanced by the vertical thrust of the lances and the dynamic pose of the fallen rider. The limited palette enhances the graphic quality, emphasizing form over realistic depiction. The structured composition brings to mind semiotic systems, where colors and patterns serve as signs, perhaps alluding to heraldic codes or social hierarchies. Yet, the ‘mock’ nature of the joust undermines any fixed meaning. The drawing destabilizes traditional representations of valor and martial prowess, suggesting a playful questioning of established norms.