Jousting Shield (Stecktarge) with the Coat of Arms of the City of Deggendorf

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This large curved rectangular shield was developed especially for use with a lance. The jouster rested his lance in the cutout opening on the proper right, called a bouche or mouth. Such shields had been common in war, but by the mid-15th century they functioned more often in jousting, as targets. After tournaments these were frequently hung in homes or in public places to celebrate a noble family or, as in this case, a city.

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