Elements of a Light-Cavalry Armor

Christian Schreiner the Younger

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This armor is a rare example of the fluted, or "Maximilian," style in its earliest stages. The armor was made in either Mühlau or in neighboring Innsbruck soon after the Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) established his court armor-making workshop in Innsbruck in 1504. Little is known of its maker, Christian Schreiner the Younger. Few of his works survive, and this is the most complete. A strong Italian influence is apparent in this armor and in armors of the Innsbruck/Mühlau school in general. They are characterized by full rounded forms and sparing use of surface ornament as opposed to the purely German Gothic style typified by slender proportions and pierced openwork. Particularly distinctive are the gracefully bold mitten gauntlets, which blend features of late Gothic design with the evolving German Renaissance style.

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