Shield: David and Goliath

Defensive Armour:
David and Goliath
Bohemia (?), mid to late 15th century
Wood and painted leather
H. 0.89 ; W. 0.60
Cl. 2381

Named "pavois", this type of shield originally came from the city of Pavia, Italy. It was used to shelter infantry soldiers as well as the crossbowmen who could hide behind this screen held against the ground. Patterns featuring helmets or arms are usually found on these pieces; this one shows the warrior, biblical story of David and Goliath. Young David, in his shepherd's clothes, has just hit Goliath with his sling. Goliath, up to his neck in armour, has been hit in the forehead with a stone; blood runs down his face. These sumptuous shields are rarely found in French museums.