Armor for a Member of the Barberini Family

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This armor is a deluxe version of a typical cuirassier’s armor, worn by heavy cavalry armed with sword and pistols. Its rich ornament and light weight, however, indicate that it was designed primarily for ceremonial wear and as a symbol of martial status. The punched and chiseled decoration is characteristic of elaborate Milanese armor of the early seventeenth century. The designs include numerous crowned ovals enclosing bees, the badge of the Barberini, one of Rome’s most powerful families. The Barberini rose to prominence, wealth, and power with the election of Maffeo Barberini as Pope Urban VIII in 1623. Presumably, this armor was made for the ranking secular member of the family, either Carlo (1562–1630) or his son Tadeo (1603–1647). The pope’s brother, Carlo was general of the papal armies and duke of Monterotondo from 1623 and prince of Palestrina from 1629. Taddeo succeeded to his father’s titles and offices in 1630.

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