DISCOVERART

Italian or Spanish

Buckler

1630/50
Wood, iron, brass, gilding, silk velvet, and silk damask

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Gallery 239

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This buckler was intended for use with a rapier. A steel collar around the rim reinforces the plywood core from sword cuts. At the front, a raised ring around the central steel boss was designed to catch and bind the needle-like point of an opponent’s blade.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Italian or Spanish

RapierRapierRapierRapierSpring Attachment for RapierSpring Attachment for RapierSpring Tackle Attachment for RapierSpring Tackle Attachment for Rapier

More like this

Highland TargeScottish — Highland TargeTarge (Shield)Flemish or English — Targe (Shield)Fencing BucklerItalian — Fencing BucklerRound Shield (Rondache)Pierre du Coudroy (Flemish, born France, 1560-about 1626) BrPair of Circular PlattersMartin-Guillaume Biennais — Pair of Circular PlattersJousting Lance with VamplateGerman — Jousting Lance with VamplatePair of Ear SpoolsChimú — Pair of Ear SpoolsCircular TargetGerman, probably Nuremberg — Circular TargetPair of Chop PlatesScheggi — Pair of Chop PlatesWatch-Shaped VinaigretteJoseph Taylor Birmingham, England — Watch-Shaped VinaigrettePendant with a Cameo of Orpheus Charming the AnimalsAlessandro Masnago — Pendant with a Cameo of Orpheus CharminWatch-Shaped VinaigretteJoseph Willmore Birmingham, England — Watch-Shaped Vinaigret