16th century round shield

Triarii · 10th March 2026, 03:25 PM

Coming back to this, I've been looking at paintings and they invariably show fringing. Sometimes on the front edge and sometimes on the rear.
Lots in Teniers guardroom paintings, with a green fringe, but this may be the same props turning up in multiple paintings.
Consensus, as far as I can discern, is its decoration, and HEMA experience says it stops blades sliding up off the edge at the user.
First: Otto van der Waeyen in Polish costume 1656.
Second: Rodeleros fighting during the Siege of Hulst 1596. Detail from a Flemish tapestry
Third: Met Museum.

10th March 2026, 03:25 PM	#12
Triarii Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Bristol Posts: 165	Coming back to this, I've been looking at paintings and they invariably show fringing. Sometimes on the front edge and sometimes on the rear. Lots in Teniers guardroom paintings, with a green fringe, but this may be the same props turning up in multiple paintings. Consensus, as far as I can discern, is its decoration, and HEMA experience says it stops blades sliding up off the edge at the user. First: Otto van der Waeyen in Polish costume 1656. Second: Rodeleros fighting during the Siege of Hulst 1596. Detail from a Flemish tapestry Third: Met Museum. Attached Images