Foot Combat with War Hammers and Tartsche Shields

c.1512-1515

German 16th Century

Associated Names
German 16th Century

Artist

This is a drawing of two figures engaged in combat. They are clad in elaborate armor and wielding swords. The figures are depicted in medieval style armor, each taking a stance in combat with one another. The figure on the left appears to be striking out with a sword, while the one on the right is positioned to either parry or counter, holding a shield in front. The armor includes detailed features such as plumes and intricate designs reminiscent of historical armor from jousting or tournaments. Their poses suggest movement and engagement in a mock battle or ceremonial duel. The background is left plain, emphasizing the focus on the armored figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with watercolor on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 33 × 26.4 cm (13 × 10 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4531

  • Series Title

    Freydal, The Book of Jousts and Tournament of Emperor Maximilian I: Combats on Foot (Volume III)

Associated Artworks

See all 29 artworks
This is a drawing of two armored figures engaged in combat. The drawing depicts two individuals clad in stylized, armored suits. They stand in profile with feet staggered, engaged in combat with maces. The maces are depicted as embellished club-like weapons. The figures wear helmets detailed with combs and plumage, and their armor is composed of articulated sections. One figure holds a large shield with a simple floral design. The lines and washes display fine control and articulation. Below the scene, words or writing can be observed.

Foot Combat with Maces and Tartsche Shields

German 16th Century

1515

Freydal, The Book of Jousts and Tournament of Emperor Maximilian I: Combats on Foot (Volume III)

German 16th Century

1515

This is a drawing of two armored figures engaged in combat. The figures are in elaborate medieval armor, with one attacking and the other defending. The armor is detailed with textures and the color palette is limited to blues, greys, and hints of gold. The scene is dynamic and focused on the confrontation between the two figures.

Foot Combat with Maces and Tartsche Shields

German 16th Century

1515

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Frédéric de Pourtalès (1779-1861), Paris; E.P. Goldschmidt (1887-1954), London, c.1914-1918. (Charles Sessler Rare Books, Philadelphia). Purchased 1930 by Lessing J. Rosenwald (L. Supp. 1760b); Gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1926

  • Dodgson, Campbell. "An Unknown MS. of Freydal."The Burlington Magazine. 48 (1926): 235-237+240-242.

1928

  • Dodgson, Campbell. "More Freydal Drawings." The Burlington Magazine. 53 (October 1928): 170-73.

2019

  • Krause, Stefan. "Freydal, das Turnierbuch Kaiser Maximilians I. - Werkbeschreibungen." Jahrbuch des Kunsthistorischen Museums Wien 21 (2019): 270, repro. 271.

Inscriptions

lower left on mount in black ink: 4; lower right on mount in black ink: A 39

Watermarks

Anchor

Wikidata ID

Q64571936

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