Artworks

The present two, quite outstanding, drawings likely refer to the Fechtbuch by Paulus Kal (c. 1440- c. 1485), a military commander and fencing master who served at the southern German courts of the Wittelsbachs and, since 1480, with Sigismund of Habsburg, Archduke of Austria and Tyrol. Both drawings represent men fighting on foot, on the recto practicing the 'two-fold lock with a dagger' and on the verso 'how to break the lock with a dagger'. Both are freestanding, detached illustrations shaded in blended tones. The men stand opposite each other in different fighting positions, each with a weapon in hand. The drawings emphasize the relevant arm, hand, and leg position. Twice the same man is shown: a somewhat sturdy figure with a brown cap and a friendly face. Likely he is the master who is training his disciples – both with distinctive faces, length of hair, and clothing. The men have earnest but individual facial features and wear period-style shirts and leggings, possibly training jackets. Accurate details are given of the tight-fitting clothing with stitching, buttons, ribbons, and long beak shoes. The weapon may be blunt training foils, not too sharp to grab by hand. This would be evidence of earnest mock-fighting practice as a part of training.

Read more about these drawings in our Spotlight.