Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)

Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Del Monte (1541–1614) was a mercenary soldier who at various times served the emperor, the pope, the kings of Spain and France, and the Venetian Republic. This armor dates from the period of del Monte’s service to Venice as captain-general of infantry. It probably was made in Brescia, an armor-making center then under Venetian control. The armor is notable for its elegantly pointed helmet with a steel plume and for the etched and gilt decoration in imitation of a textile pattern. Overall decoration of this kind was especially fashionable in the period from 1590 to 1610. A portrait of del Monte in the Museo Stibbert, Florence, shows this armor with its shoulder pieces, arms and gauntlets, now missing. Two glaives bearing the del Monte coat of arms are also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. nos. 04.3.88, .89). Originally, they would have been carried by the captain-general’s personal guards.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)Armor of Giovanni Battista Bourbon del Monte (1541–1614)

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.