Foot Combat with Flails c. 1512 - 1515

Editor: This is an intriguing watercolor and pencil drawing titled "Foot Combat with Flails," created around 1512-1515, and attributed to an anonymous artist. The muted colors and the focused expressions of the figures make the scene feel both serious and slightly absurd. What stands out to you most when you look at this? Curator: Well, firstly, there's a lovely naiveté here, isn't there? A slightly comical edge to the ferocity. These aren't battle-hardened warriors; they're almost like students of war, earnestly applying textbook moves, perhaps in a practice bout. You know, sometimes I imagine this artist giggling as they sketched, enjoying the performance of combat more than the brutal reality. Does that make sense? Editor: Yes, definitely! They do seem quite theatrical. Curator: And look at the attention to detail on their armour! Every ridge, every fold meticulously rendered. It tells me that while the artist might be playing with the drama, they also have a deep respect, maybe even a fascination, for the craftsmanship of warfare. Were these martial arts manuals for Italian noblemen? Or pure imagination? Editor: I never thought about the possibility of a performance aspect, which now adds a new dimension. Maybe they’re both! Thank you. Curator: It could be an etude or a caprice about our own personal duels; about finding a moment’s grace and connection in such a strange little world.