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University of North Dakota

"there I, Paul Dolnstein, Saw Action." The Sketchbook Of A Warrior Artisan In The German Renaissance

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This thesis provides analysis, transcription, and translation of Paul Dolnstein's early sixteenth century annotated sketchbook. The study offers insight into one `type' of German Renaissance mercenary, the sedentary type. Known as Landsknechts, German Renaissance mercenaries were prized for their discipline on the field and for their commanders' ability to provide well equipped and well trained armies for the battlefields of Europe. As opposed to roving Landsknechts who followed the drums of war year in and year out, the sedentary Landsknecht retained his roots and returned to civilian work in his town of origin between campaigns. He might serve in only a few military campaigns, or he might serve in several. In all his warring, the sedentary Landsknecht maintained his ties to a particular locale and occupation, often that of an artisan.</p> <p>This study argues that at least one such sedentary Landsknecht, Paul Dolnstein, saw his world through the lenses of both warrior and artisan. His experience as both master craftsman and mercenary shines through his sketches and accompanying commentary. In support of this argument, the thesis analyzes Paul Dolnstein's military sketchbook in the context of his civilian role as a highly regarded master craftsman, concluding that even as he is a warrior on the march, he sees military engagements through the eyes of master builder. Further, the very existence of this sketchbook demonstrates that the warrior in the artisan who has seen battle never ceases to exist. The soldier in this craftsman lived on in his memory, scars, and stories.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts (MA)
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
History
Year
2012

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Skjelver, Danielle Mead
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Hans P. Broedel

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://commons.und.edu/theses/1271
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:commons.und.edu:theses-2272

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of North Dakota
Base URL
commons.und.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Skjelver, Danielle Mead. "there I, Paul Dolnstein, Saw Action." The Sketchbook Of A Warrior Artisan In The German Renaissance. Thesis thesis, 2012. https://commons.und.edu/theses/1271