Early Nineteenth-Century Spanish Shield

Early Nineteenth-Century Spanish Shield

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The three lions, masterfully embossed in low relief, refer to the heraldic arms of the shield's owner, who unfortunately is not identified. Since the shield is recorded as having come from Spain in the early nineteenth century, its owner was undoubtedly a Spanish nobleman. Cuts across the surface of the lions indicate that the shield saw active use, most likely in a tournament on foot.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Early Nineteenth-Century Spanish ShieldEarly Nineteenth-Century Spanish ShieldEarly Nineteenth-Century Spanish ShieldEarly Nineteenth-Century Spanish ShieldEarly Nineteenth-Century Spanish Shield

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.