The pavise is a large shield used by archers and crossbowmen, notably during sieges because it provides protection for the entire body. It would have been mounted on a stand of some kind to allow the bowman use of both hands.
The bottom half of the shield.
A closer look at the scrollwork design. It flies in the face of the popular notion of medieval times being drab and sepia in color.
I am impressed by the shading detail of the coat-of-arms.
On display at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the piece is from the 1400's. Possibly from Austria.
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