Composed Armor

Wolfgang Grosschedel

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This armor is composed of elements from three different armors, all made in southern Germany for Spanish patrons. The helmet, arm defenses, gauntlets, and leg defenses belong to a large garniture made in 1554 for the future Philip II of Spain (reigned 1556–98) by the leading armorers of Landshut, Wolfgang Grosschedel (recorded 1517–1562) and his son Franz (recorded 1555–1579). The elements of Philip's armor are distinguished by their decoration of stylized cloud bands. The associated breastplate, probably made in Augsburg about 1550, is decorated with the cross used by the Spanish knightly orders of Alcantara and Calatrava. The backplate, also made in Augsburg about 1550, appears to be part of an armor for Fernando Alvarez de Toledo (1508–1583), third duke of Alba. The gorget (collar) is Italian, made about 1580.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art