Shield of Edward IV (1442-83), King of England, in his Capacity as Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece c. 1481

This impressive shield was made for Edward IV, King of England, sometime between 1442 and 1483, by Pierre Coustain. It celebrates Edward's position as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Heraldry in the late medieval period was more than just decorative. It was a complex language of symbols, declaring lineage, allegiances, and power. Edward's shield visually asserts his claim to the English throne, embodying the prevailing ideals of masculinity and chivalry expected of a king. This shield serves as a potent reminder of the ways in which identities, especially those of the ruling class, were carefully constructed and projected through material culture. What stories do we tell about ourselves through the symbols and objects we choose to display?