Pavois d'archer du type de Klausen, la structure... - Lot 95 - Pierre Bergé & Associés

Pavois d'archer du type de Klausen, la structure en bois peut-être XVe siècle. An archer's pavise of Klausen type, the wooden body probably 15th century. Of characteristic rectangular form rounded over the top, constructed in three parts, with broad angular central gutter rising to a triangular beak, the inner face lined in pigskin, the lining formed of several pieces glued directly to the wooden core, with iron nails and staples for enarms and a carrying strap, fitted with a transverse iron bar across the top of the gutter, the outer face painted with the Austrian Bindenschild, enriched with scrollwork over the respective fields, the upper field bearing the arms of the League of Saint George on the right and an unidentified coat-of-arms, a star in a blackened shield, on the left, black linear borders, the inner pigskin lining folded over the outer edges, and the painted surface applied over gesso on a bed of canvas, the latter applied directly to the wooden core. L.: 118 cm - W.: 60.5 cm. Shields bearing this painted armorial scheme are considered to be associated with Archduke Sigusmund of the Tyrol (1427-1496). The Saint George's shield became the badge of the Swabian League, of which Sigusmund was a member. A quantity of shields of this type was discovered in the small town of Klausen, in the South Tyrol, in 1871. The majority of these shields were repainted in the late 19th century in an attempt to enhance their appearance.