Standing Shield

probably early 14th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373
Shields of this exceptionally large size and weight (49 lb. [22 kg]) were propped on the ground to form a wall that protected archers and infantrymen. This example is decorated with the coat of arms of the city of Erfurt––a silver wheel on a red ground––and was probably made before 1324, when the city's coat of arms changed.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Standing Shield
  • Date: probably early 14th century
  • Geography: Erfurt
  • Culture: German, Erfurt
  • Medium: Wood, leather, gesso, silver foil, polychromy, iron
  • Dimensions: H. 67 1/2 in. (171.45 cm); W. 28 3/4 in. (73.03 cm); Wt. 49 lb. (22.23 kg)
  • Classification: Shields
  • Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1922
  • Object Number: 22.164.1
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

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.