Mitten Gauntlet
Missaglia workshop
An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art
The gauntlet of mitten type is constructed of four plates held together by dome-headed iron rivets (modern) and comprises a long pointed cuff plate with sharp medial ridge, the edge turned over outward and flattened, with lining rivets below; a single metacarpal plate extended at one side to accomodate the thumb (the thumb plates are lost); and two plates covering the fingers, embossed slightly to accomodate the knuckles, the lowermost plate pointed and fitted with lining rivets. This gauntlet would originally have been fitted with a leather glove (perhaps covered with mail or thin plates of steel to protect the exposed ends of the fingers) sewn to the lining straps. Stamped at the base of the cuff plate on the inner side just above the thumb are three armorer's marks: (above) the letters MY beneath a crown, and (below) the letter M beneath a split cross, twice repeated. The marks on this gauntlet identify it as a product of the Missaglia workshop, the most famous Milanese armorers in the fifteenth century, and are of the type believed to have been used by the shop under the direction of Antonio Missaglia and his brothers from 1452 until at least the end of the century. The shape of the gauntlet, with its long pointed cuff, medial ridge, and turned edge, suggests a date early in this period, probably before 1460, and can be compared to gauntlets associated with armors dating from the period about 1450–60 in the Church of Santa Maria della Grazie, at Curatone near Mantua.
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.