Infantry Garniture of a Target (Shield) and Pointed Morion

North Italian; Milan · 1570/80

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 in the period.

Artist

North Italian; Milan

Date

1570/80

Medium

Steel, brass, gilding, silk velvet, horse hair, silk, and silver-gilt fringe

Dimensions

Rondache: Diam.: 55.9 cm (22 in.); ;

Credit

George F. Harding Collection

Open-access artwork courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago. Mooseium is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution.