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

This sheet, "Mock Joust of War with Fixed Shields," is an anonymous artwork, rendered in ink and watercolor. The composition is immediately striking for its destabilization of the conventional battle scene. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the chaotic arrangement of figures and horses frozen in mid-tumble. The limited color palette, dominated by earthy browns, greens, and reds, enhances the sense of disarray. The fall becomes the focal point, disrupting the traditional heroic narrative associated with jousting. The fixed shields, meant to protect, become instruments of downfall, challenging the very essence of chivalric combat. Through these choices, the artwork seems to destabilize established notions of power, skill, and honor. The artist manipulates the image and meaning of jousting, creating a satirical commentary on the absurdities of war. The lack of a clear narrative invites the viewer to interpret the scene. The very structure of the piece, from its dynamic lines to its unbalanced composition, underscores the fallibility and perhaps even the futility of martial endeavors.