Standing Shield

Unknown

probably early 14th century · Wood, leather, gesso, silver foil, polychromy, iron · Arms and Armor

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

probably early 14th century

Medium

Wood, leather, gesso, silver foil, polychromy, iron

Culture

German, Erfurt

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Bashford Dean, 1922