Reinforcing Bevor and Grandguard for the Joust
c. 1560
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
H. 62.2 cm (24 1/2 in.) Weight: Buffe: 2 lbs. 15 oz. Targe: 5 lbs. 10 oz.
Classification
suit-element
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106354
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
By the sixteenth century, armorers devised this steel reinforcement as replacement for wooden shields or targes used in the joust. The lower section, known as a grandguard, was bolted down firmly over the left side of the breastplate. These served as targets and were often fitted with a trellis pattern to grapple the lance head after impact. The helmet was bolted to the upper section (bevor) for added thickness and protection, replacing the heavy jousting helm of the past.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...