Breastplate

Valentin Siebenbürger

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The armorer Valentin Siebenbürger is recorded from the 1530s to the 1550s with commissions for the city of Nuremberg and several noble clients, including Emperor Charles V. This breastplate is important as an example of his work, particularly for its lively and inventive etched decoration. In quality and rarity, it is the single best item from the Ellis Collection, which was donated to the Metropolitan Museum in 1896.

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