Side blog for close mutuals

Lantern Shield with Gauntlet and Retractable Thrusting Blade (before 1596)

The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna

A mannerist combination weapon consisting of a round shield, an iron gauntlet, a retractable thrusting blade, and an oil lantern. The lantern could be used to dazzle an opponent during combat in low-light conditions. The object was part of the collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol and was likely intended as a technical display piece rather than a practical battlefield weapon.

Origin: Austria (Collection of Archduke Ferdinand II of Tyrol)

Length: 82 cm; length (blade extended) 101 cm

Diameter: 40 cm

Depth: 40 cm

Material: Iron, brass, velvet, gold thread, leather

Cute raccoons - a watercolor.

Inspired by the fluffly goblins roaming my neighborhood in Montreal. The next painting will include that tailless blonde raccoon I met in the spring. He's no Jimothy but he's still super special.