Tournament Shield

ca. 1475–1500

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373

An all-steel shield of this shape and date is extremely rare-possibly unique. it was probably intended for use in the Scharfrennen, a joust fought in an open field by two contestants mounted on horses and armed with sharp lances. The coat of arms is that of the Freiberg von Aschau family of Bavaria.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Tournament Shield
Date: ca. 1475–1500
Culture: German
Medium: Steel, gold
Dimensions: Wt. 5 lb. 2 oz. (2324.7 g)
Classification: Shields
Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1923
Object Number: 23.261s
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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