Shield Depicting the Siege of Troy

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The mythological scenes include the abduction of Helen (lower left), the struggle of Achilles and Hector before Priam and his court (lower right), battles at sea and on land between the Greeks and the Trojans (middle), and the entrance of the wooden horse through the gates of Troy (top).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art