Pavise: David and Goliath

This large shield from the end of the 15th century represents a combat scene between David and Goliath. Pavises resisted arbalest shots and allowed the protection of infantrymen, pikemen, or crossbowmen.

This type of large shield from the late 15th century was used, for example, during the Hussite wars in Bohemia. In this context, the scene of the fight between David and Goliath comes across as an image of propaganda representing the victory of the weakest over the more powerful opponent.

These pavises were the only ones capable of withstanding crossbow and were therefore used to protect formations of infantrymen, pikemen or crossbowmen. However, the widespread use of gunpowder eventually rendered them outmoded and led to them no longer being seen during the 16th century.