Infantry Garniture of a Target (Shield) and Pointed Morion
1570/80
Medium
Steel, brass, gilding, silk velvet, horse hair, silk, and silver-gilt fringe
Dimensions
Rondache: Diam.: 55.9 cm (22 in.); ;
Classification
suit-element
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106361
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Matched round shields with open-faced helmets formed essential equipment for noble field commanders; in addition to providing protection, these served as a sign of rank. This heavy shield (target) and helmet (morion) were intended to defend against gunfire and blows from swords and pikes. Remarkably, they retain their original silk linings and fringe, decorative features that also muffled clanging blows. Training in the use of the target was fundamental to those learning the art of self-defense ...