Search results

Start typing

In order to pursue his ambitions in France, Henry VIII formed an alliance with the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I. This painting records their meeting and the main events pertaining to Henry’s first campaign against the French in 1513.

The composit
European Armour in the Royal Collection

An introduction to European armour in the Royal Collection.

FLEMISH

Round target

about 1580-5

RCIN 72861

Towards the end of the sixteenth century, improvements in firearms led to an increasing interest in bullet-proof shields for infantrymen. Encouraged by the experiments of Prince Maurice of Orange (1618-1625), decorated round targets like this emerged. They appear in several group portraits of Dutch militia of this period.

The surface of this target is divided into eight panels, each decorated with fantastic foliage and flowers, and with an array of creatures including snails, dragonflies, crickets, ladybirds and worms. The anonymous etcher has consequently been dubbed 'The Master of the Snails and Dragonflies'. It is now thought, however, that more than one person was involved in the production of this and similar examples.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.