Armor for Man and Horse

Sets of matching armor for man and horse, such as this example from Italy, were very expensive ensembles, owned only by wealthy, aristocratic soldiers. It is rare that this set has remained together. It is also unusual to find a matching shield with a suit of armor of this period, for shields were seldom used by the end of the 14th century. This suggests the museum's armor may have been part of a large set, or garniture, whose elements were used in different combinations for a variety of activities. Craftsmen in the northern Italian towns of Milan and Brescia dominated European plate armor production in the 15th century, exporting armor all over Europe. 16th-century Milanese craftsmen continued to produce fine armors of distinctive style, such as this set with gilding and ornately etched decorations of military trophies, arabesques and grotesque figures inspired by classical motifs. A sturdy horse would have been necessary, as this horse armor weighs ninety eight pounds and the rider's armor weighs sixty pounds.

Gift of the Laura Nelson Kirkwood Residuary Trust