The Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History   The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World MapsTimelines / RegionsThematic EssaysWorks of ArtIndex  
Tournament Shield (Targe), ca. 1450
German
Wood, leather, linen, gesso, polychromy, silver; 22 x 16 in. (56 x 40.5 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Florence Blumenthal, 1925 (25.26.1)

This shield is painted with an elaborate coat of arms, probably that of the Gottsmann family of Franconia. The female figure at the side holds a banderole inscribed in German with the motto: "Hab Mych als Ich Bin ... (Take me as I am). The decoration, with its brilliant colors on a silver-foil ground, is remarkably well preserved, as it was hidden for centuries beneath layers of later paint. On the leather-lined back of the shield are traces of a painted figure of Saint Christopher, protector of travelers.


Open full-size image



  • Related Index Terms

    Material and Technique

    Object

    Subject Matter/Theme

    Technical Glossary


    Tournament Shield (Targe), ca. 1450
    German
    Wood, leather, linen, gesso, polychromy, silver; 22 x 16 in. (56 x 40.5 cm)
    Gift of Mrs. Florence Blumenthal, 1925 (25.26.1)