ticketsMember | Make a donation

Escutcheon Plate of a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

ca. 1530–40
Not on view
Escutcheon plates probably developed from early reinforces but were later employed primarily for the display of dynastic arms or personal imprese. Occasionally they also incorporated more fanciful motifs of purely decorative type such as this highly original and rare example of anthropomorphic shape and classical decoration. While the motif of a mooress holding a shield reflects the European fascination with "exotic" races, the scene on the shield represents Hercules battling the river god Acheloüs in the guise of a bull. One of his horns, broken off during the fight, was later given to the Goddess of Plenty, the cornucopia henceforth becoming her symbol (two such cornucopiae are embossed above the figure of Hercules).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Escutcheon Plate of a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
  • Date: ca. 1530–40
  • Geography: probably Augsburg
  • Culture: German, probably Augsburg
  • Medium: Steel, gold
  • Dimensions: H. 7 in. (17.9 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.5 cm); Wt. 3 oz. (82 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Lauder Gift, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.259.2
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Portions of a Costume Armor, Kolman Helmschmid German, Steel, copper alloy, gold, German, Augsburg
Portions of a Costume Armor
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe), Wood, leather, linen, gesso, pigments, silver, German
Shield for the Field or Tournament (Targe)
German
ca. 1450
Double-Barreled Wheellock Pistol Made for Emperor Charles V (reigned 1519–56), Peter Peck German, Steel, gold, wood (cherry), staghorn, German, Munich
Double-Barreled Wheellock Pistol Made for Emperor Charles V (reigned 1519–56)
Peter Peck
Ambrosius Gemlich
ca. 1540–45
Helm for the Joust of Peace (<i>Stechhelm</i>), Steel, copper alloy, German, probably Nuremberg
Helm for the Joust of Peace (Stechhelm)
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Armor of Emperor Ferdinand I (1503–1564), Kunz Lochner German, Steel, brass, leather, German, Nuremberg
Armor of Emperor Ferdinand I (1503–1564)
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.