Statuette from the Throne of Emperor Rudolf II
Artist
Thomas Rücker
(Southern Germany (Augsburg), about 1532 – 1606)
Date1574
Mediumwrought and chiseled iron
Dimensions26 × 9.5 cm (10 1/4 × 3 3/4 in.), 2 lb, 12 oz (weight)
ClassificationsMetalwork
MarkingsHiggins Armory Museum accession number 689 in white on inner face of mail skirt.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.559
DescriptionWrought and chiseled iron. Bearded, erect figure believed to represent Hector, head turned slightly proper right, torso to left. Right forearm raised; left arm by the side, originally holding falchion hilt. Left leg lifted forward and upward at hip, bent rearward at knee. Wears pseudo-Roman casque, the brow of which has a lion-like face. On crest is griffin-like creature with coiled tail. Armor consists of long-sleeved mail shirt with scalloped cuffs; openwork, simulated leather outer covering extending from shoulders to groin, cusped at lower edge, fitted with 5 tassels. Lion-headed boss centered on chest. Pauldrons shaped as embossed, bird-like grotesque faces. Legs bare to shins which are covered hose-like in scales. Lion's head boss at upper edge below knees. Over shoulders is cloak extending down to buttocks and secured at neck with clasp. Once with falchion sword at left side, now lost.ProvenanceEx-collections Kunstkammer of Emperor Rudolph II (Hradschin, Prague) Frédéric Spitzer John W. Higgins purchased from Anderson Galleries (NYC), sale 2308, lot 132, 9 January 1929, Spitzer Collection. Given to the Armory July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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