Pair of Gauntlets for a Child

Pair of Gauntlets for a Child

Lucio Piccinino

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These gauntlets belong to an armor presented by the Spanish governor of Milan to the future Philip III of Spain (1578–1621, reigned from 1598).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pair of Gauntlets for a ChildPair of Gauntlets for a ChildPair of Gauntlets for a ChildPair of Gauntlets for a ChildPair of Gauntlets for a Child

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.