Infantry Armor

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The armorers of Nuremberg were famous for their ability to produce large quantities of plate armor relatively quickly. In the second half of the sixteenth century, they specialized in making high-quality infantry armors with simple but bold decoration in the form of bright bands that contrast with the black-painted surfaces. This late example is typical of these armors for its open-faced helmet (burgonet) and plates covering only the upper half of the arms, the torso, and the legs from the hips to the knees. The blackened surfaces presumably rendered the armor less susceptible to rust, so that it required little maintenance.

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