Lance Rest

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In addition to providing support for a couched lance, this lance rest is very important to the Dos Aguas armor as a garniture. The foundation for all the tournament pieces of the Dos Aguas garniture is a reinforcing breastplate, called a plackart in English and a sovrapetto in Italian (accession number 27.159.2a). Essentially, it is a complete second breastplate that fits snugly over the underlying breastplate of the cuirass. The plackart is attached to the breastplate by the sturdy staples and pin that hold the lance rest in place.

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