Shield (Pavise)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The German inscription around St. George reads, "Help, knight Saint George; help, God, your eternal word, the body here and the soul there." At the top is the coat of arms of the duchy of Saxony quartered with crossed swords, symbols of the elector of Saxony's office as archmarshal of the Holy Roman Empire.

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