Tournament Shield (Targe)
Shields of this shape were inspired by Hungarian light-cavalry shields and were adopted in Germany and Austria for the Hussarisch Turnier (tournament in Hungarian-style costume). The German motto around the owl reads in translation, "Although I am the hated bird, I rather enjoy that." Below this are the quartered arms of the Tänzl and Rindscheit families, which were united by marriage in 1499.
Artwork Details
- Title: Tournament Shield (Targe)
- Date: ca. 1500
- Culture: German
- Medium: Wood, burlap, leather, gesso, polychromy
- Dimensions: H. 26 3/8 in. (67 cm); W. 13 in. (33 cm); D. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm); Wt. 5 lb. 5 oz. (2418 g); outer circumference 19 5/16 in. (49 cm); H. of lance rest 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
- Classification: Shields
- Credit Line: Purchase, Bashford Dean Bequest, 1969
- Object Number: 69.196
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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