Artwork preview

Messenger Badge and Shield

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gold-colored shield with pointed bottom, rounded sides, and two small holes at top corners. The shield features an etched floral pattern on its surface. A black horse with a long mane and tail is centered on the shield, depicted in mid-gallop with front and back legs extended, facing left. The horse's mouth is open. The title of the piece is "Messenger Badge and Shield" by an unknown artist.

Artwork details

Date:
badge, 1400–1450; shield, ca. 1800
Medium:
Iron, copper, bronze, gold, enamel
Culture:
possibly Italian
Dimensions:
500 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette