Lance Rest
Artist
Pompeo della Cesa
(Milan, about 1537–1610)
Dateabout 1590
Mediumsteel, iron, brass, silver, leather, and fabric
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsThe entire armor is decorated with a diaper-like etched pattern, once gilt. The cartouches enclose one of three basic motifs: a Medusa head with intertwined serpents; a winged lightning bolt design reminiscent of that found on Roman "scuta"; a downturned barbed trident, mounted by a pair of intertwined dolphins. Each cartouche is formed as a layered centrally rounded arch, the borders of which are formed of a single helix motif between a pair of low-relief narrow lines. (The junctions of the cartouches are modeled as tri-petaled floral designs.) Bands of major borders are similarly treated, filled however with a variety of human, grotesque, classical, floral forms and military trophies. The well-worn gilding appears to be of later date. At the cusp of the decorative border, mid-upper breastplate is the figure of a classically armed warrior, astride the feet of which are the letters "PO---PEO", which appear to be another variant on the signature of Pompeo della Cesa (Chiesa).
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.112.19
ProvenanceCollection of von Hobertstein-Duveen Brothers (NLT 1888); Mr. George Donaldson (ca. 1888-1900); Mr. George J. Gould (after 1900-1924); Duveen Brothers (1924-28). Purchased by John Higgins from Duveen Brothers 18 January 1928.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.On View
Not on viewCollections
