Inspiration pieces are from:
Museum of Lombard: They offer a course strictly about Longardic culture. I have linked the english version here:
Corso di storia e arte medieval I Longobordi
The book "Longobardi un popolo che cambia la storia"
Some other sources for Lombardic history are here linked:
I used a standard gesso, acrylic and a standard gold leaf technique to help create a more decadent and over-the-top look, then a spray on lacquer to seal the shield.
For more manuscripts take a look at the Morgan Library and Museum.
A commission shield for Duke Miles. He was pretty open to what I wanted to paint, he just wanted a red dragon. I was able to do some pretty good research on design elements with in the manuscripts linked on the photos and on the list.
He provided the metal round, I covered it with canvas and gesso'd it to give a nice base coat. I used standard acrylic paint because this is a piece of art that is meant to be destroyed. In fact, most of my painted work is made to be used and replaced with something better later!
Once all the layers of paint are dry I seal the entire painting with a spray on lacquer ( about 5 layers) this helps to protect the art for a little longer.
12-13th century Shield based on Manuscripts
The Aberdeen Bestiary: online manuscript. According the the University of Aberdeen this manuscript does not have a note on date and place of origin. The do how ever extrapolate that it is late 12th century and is connected with Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Check out the website for more info there.
Hunterian psalter calendar folio 4v : online manuscript (The Hunterian Psalter is a twelfth century illuminated manuscript, thought to have been produced in England c. 1170)
Pierpont Morgan Library. Manuscript: Von dem gang des himels und sternen germany rhineland ms m 384 fol 016r.
Constellation Draco and two bears. This is an astrological compilation; written and decorated in the Rhineland, Germany, second half of the 15th century
1514 engraved inspired painted shield. Dürer's Knight, Death, and the Devil is one of three large prints of 1513–14 known as his Meisterstiche (master engravings) the print is held at the Met.
The shield is a metal and was covered in canvas provided by the client.
Viscount Sir Roosebeke. He wanted this style and design on his tourney shield with some tweaks to make it personalized to him.
I used a standard gesso, acrylic paint and a paint on lacquer to seal the shield.