Lady with Helmet and Striped Shield, ca. 1460 – 1465

About the Work

The richly costumed young woman wears her hair uncovered, a sign that she is not yet married. With lowered gaze, she presents a helmet and heraldic shield, objects that had become popular among the aspiring bourgeoisie in the context of a regular chivalry fashion. The depiction may have served a purpose in connection with betrothals in upper bourgeois circles.