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Sword fighting, 13th century
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Sword fighting, 13th century
Sword fighting for prizes, 13th century. Performers with swords and shields fighting in a swordplay show. Handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt from his own Sports and Pastimes of the People of England, Chatto and Windus, London, 1876
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Media ID 23205006
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
13th Duel Fight Illuminated Manuscript Pastimes Performers Prize Shield Strutt Swordfight
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to the 13th century and witness the thrilling spectacle of sword fighting for prizes. In this handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt, we see performers engaged in an intense swordplay show, their faces etched with focus and determination. Clad in armor and wielding swords and shields, they engage in a duel, their movements fluid and precise. The atmosphere is electric, the crowd leaning in, holding their breath as they watch the combatants exchange blows. Sword fighting was a popular pastime during the Middle Ages, often serving as a form of entertainment for the nobility. This illustration, taken from Joseph Strutt's "Sports and Pastimes of the People of England," published by Chatto and Windus in London in 1876, provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of medieval games and sports. The intricate details of the performers' armor, the texture of their clothing, and the illuminated manuscript-style background all add to the sense of history and authenticity. The sword and shield were essential tools of the medieval warrior, and mastering their use was a mark of skill and prowess. In this setting, however, the swordplay was not a matter of life and death, but rather a game, a sport, a form of entertainment. And yet, the intensity and passion on display are undeniable, making this image a testament to the enduring appeal of the sword fight, both as a symbol of courage and as a source of excitement and wonder.
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