Composite Ceremonial Armor "alla Romana" (in the Roman Fashion)
Culture
Italian
Datelate 1500s–early 1600s, with later decoration and additions
Mediumreblued and regilt steel, copper with gilding and silvering, brass, restored leather and fabric
Dimensions27 lb 9 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsNone noted, save sequence dots and nicks.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1160
DescriptionOf reblued, & regilded steel. Consists of burgonet (Italian, last quarter of the 16th/early 17th century); Collar (late 16th/early 17th century in form); Breastplate (probably Italian, ca. 1600-5); Backplate (contemporary but associated to the breast); Pauldrons (restored ca. 1892 by Daniel Tachaux; Vambraces (composited); Gauntlets (not a pair, but probably Italian, ca. 1600; Sabatons (19c restorations); Cuisses with poleyns (composited, probably Italian ca. 1560-65); Greaves (in part probably Italian, ca. 1590-1600, and greatly re-worked). The suit as composited is characterized by embossing "alla Romana," blueing, gilding, and by a motif of alternating star- and floral-headed rivets. As of 2000, the harness was fitted with modern leathers covered in red velvet, but these have since been replaced.
Label TextCeremonial armor was the most lightweight of all armor types. It was never meant to be used in a battle or joust, but to be worn in a prestigious setting such as a feast, noble wedding or presentation at court. The steel of this armor is thinly hammered and embossed (hammered from the back to create the design). The design of "alla Romana" armor such as this armor embraced a revival of Roman heritage. The shoulder defenses are decorated with lion masks, a motif that was a symbol of courage and strength in Roman antiquity.ProvenanceEx-collection of prince Peter Soltykoff (St. Petersburg, Russia, ca. 1845). Did not include pauldrons or sabatons. Le Chevalier Raoul Richards (Rome, Italy, no later than 3 March 1890). Did not include pauldrons or sabatons. Victor R. Bachereau (Paris, France, ?1890-?1892/4). Pauldrons and sabatons apparently added at this time Lazzarone (Italy, ?1892-NLT 10 December 1894) Oliver H.P. Belmont (NYC and Newport, RI, post 1894) Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I., NLT 1939) Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc. (NYC, to 18 July 1939) Purchased by Museum on July 18, 1939 from Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Higgins Armory Museum (Worcester, 18 July 1939-2014) Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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