Vamplate (Hand Guard for a Lance) 1465 - 1515

Crafted by Matthes Deutsch around the turn of the 16th century, this vamplate, or hand guard, presents a stark image of martial readiness. The steel, cold and unyielding, speaks volumes about the era’s preoccupation with protection and prowess. Consider the shield itself, a symbol of defense ubiquitous across cultures. From the round shields of classical antiquity to the heraldic shields of medieval knights, the motif embodies a primal desire for safety. This particular form, designed to protect the lance-wielding hand, echoes in later iterations of armor and protective gear. We find its descendants in the shields of policemen and riot troops, each reflecting a societal anxiety and a need to control chaos. The circle, too, demands our attention—that central opening where the lance would rest. It’s a void, yes, but also a focal point, a concentrated energy that draws the eye. Think of the mandala, the rose window, or even the navel, all potent symbols of the center, the origin, and the cyclical nature of existence.