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Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)

ca. 1575–85
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 380
This beautifully decorated shield belonged to a small garniture made for the Elizabethan courtier Sir John Smythe (1534–1607). Most of the garniture appears to have been made in Augsburg, though additional pieces were made later in the English royal workshops at Greenwich. The interior of the shield is stamped with a mark consisting of the letter A within a pearled circle. Its extremely fine etched and gilt decoration includes large cartouches with allegorical figures representing Fortune, Justice, and Fortitude. Elements for a light cavalry armor and other portions of the Smythe garniture are preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)
  • Date: ca. 1575–85
  • Geography: Augsburg
  • Culture: German, Augsburg
  • Medium: Steel, gold
  • Dimensions: Diam. 21 7/8 in. (55.6 cm); Wt. 7 lb. 15 oz. (3600 g)
  • Classification: Shields
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.3.277
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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