"Maximilian" Field Armor
Culture
Southern German
Dateabout 1525–1530
Mediumsteel, leather, modern restorations
Dimensions64 lb 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.111
DescriptionComposite, with some restorations. Consists of Armet, Gorget altered from an almain collar, Breastplate with Lance-rest and Tassets, Backplate associated to breastplate, Pauldrons, Arm-Harness, Gauntlets, Cuisses with Poleyns, Greaves with Sabatons (at least partly restored).24D x 31W as mounted.
Label TextThe fully armored knight astride his warhorse was part tank, part fashionista, part action hero. The suit of armor was carefully crafted to provide maximum protection while moving naturally with the body to allow this highly trained warrior to use his skills to the utmost. But this warrior was also a courtier whose armor was an integral part of his stylish wardrobe. The rounded shaping and rippled surface of this armor have some protective qualities, but more importantly they imitate the rich pleated fabrics of a gentleman's civilian clothing; the smooth armor on the lower leg imitates his silk stockings; and the broad-toed sabatons echo the shape of fashionable men's shoes of the day.ProvenanceStadtrath Richard Zschille, Privy Counsellor of Grossenhain in Saxony. Purchased through Messrs. Tiffany & Co. by Oliver H.P. Belmont, Belmont's widow sold it to Clarence H. Mackay. Purchased by Museum on November 9, 1940 from Jacques Seligmann & Co. (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Purchase price of $15,000 included all numbers associated with HAM#2604. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewSouthern German
about 1525–1530, with decoration about 1805; greaves and sabatons c. 1930
Southern German
about 1580, with modern restorations
Desiderius Helmschmid
about 1552
Italian
late 1500s–early 1600s, with later decoration and additions