Defensive Display: Shields from The Met Collection

Since 1534, the shield has transcended its function of protection to become a symbol of status and artistic expression. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s ‘Defensive Display’ exhibition presents a collection of over 50 shields, witnesses to millennia and diverse cultures, from Germany to the Orient. From knightly armor to decorative shields used in competitions, passing through examples from the Japanese and Persian eras, the exhibition reveals the versatility of this object. It explores how the form and decoration of the shield reflected the power, wealth, and traditions of their time. The exhibition is free and spans 18 months, offering a unique opportunity to admire these rare objects and understand their complex role in history and culture. A fascinating collection, testifying to human ingenuity and the evolution of warfare arts.