The Parade Shield of King Erik XIV of Sweden

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The magnificent shield, a vital component of a suit of armor delivered to the monarch in 1562, has a rich and storied history. The entire ensemble, it is likely, was crafted in Arboga before being transported to Antwerp, where the skilled goldsmith Eliseus Libaerts brought his artistic vision to life using intricate drawings provided by the renowned French artist Etienne Delaune. To achieve the stunning relief decor, the steel was meticulously chased, embossed, etched, and gilded. The inspiration behind this masterpiece lies in ancient tales, specifically depicting fierce Amazons battling valiant male warriors - a battle scene likely taken from the epic tale of the Trojan War. According to myth, the Amazons had pledged their allegiance to King Priam of Troy during the conflict, yet suffered a devastating loss when their queen, Penthesileia, fell at the hands of the legendary warrior Achilles.