Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)

Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This beautifully decorated shield belonged to a small garniture made for the Elizabethan courtier Sir John Smythe (1534–1607). Most of the garniture appears to have been made in Augsburg, though additional pieces were made later in the English royal workshops at Greenwich. The interior of the shield is stamped with a mark consisting of the letter A within a pearled circle. Its extremely fine etched and gilt decoration includes large cartouches with allegorical figures representing Fortune, Justice, and Fortitude. Elements for a light cavalry armor and other portions of the Smythe garniture are preserved in the Royal Armouries, Leeds.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)Shield of Sir John Smythe (1534–1607)

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.