The Parade Shield of King Erik XIV of Sweden

The [shield](https://goo.gl/mur2Uz) is part of a [suit of armour](https://goo.gl/HiWXTM) that was delivered to the [King](https://goo.gl/9fGJux) in 1562. The whole set was problably made in [Arboga](https://goo.gl/SgXxA1) and then sent to [Antwerp](https://goo.gl/nQdMm8) where it was decorated by the goldsmith Eliseus Libaerts, following drawings by the French artist [Etienne Delaune](https://goo.gl/QqLbuv). To create the relief decor the steel has been [chased](https://goo.gl/FzoAbd), [embossed](https://goo.gl/i8gDzz), [etched](https://goo.gl/mKJri6) and [gilded](https://goo.gl/XSUdps). The motif is inspired by tales from antiquity and depicts [amazons](https://goo.gl/nqvY1j) fighting male warriors. It is probably a battle scene from the [Trojan war](https://goo.gl/LXsTkq). According to the myth the amazons supported [King Priam of Troy](https://goo.gl/QBjvTe) in the war but also lost their queen [Penthesileia](https://goo.gl/YvCSFg) when she was killed by [Achilles](https://goo.gl/TVPqit).