Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo Negroli

Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo Negroli

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Guidobaldo II della Rovere (1514–1574) was a professional soldier, ruler of the duchy of Urbino, and an important patron of armor. This portrait includes his batons of command and portions of the embossed armor made by Filippo Negroli of Milan. The right shoulder defense belonging to the same armor, one of the finest made and most imaginatively designed Renaissance parade armors in the all'antica (antique) style, is also in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. no. 14.25.714i).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Guidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo NegroliGuidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo NegroliGuidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo NegroliGuidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo NegroliGuidobaldo II della Rovere, Duke of Urbino (1514–1574), With his Armor by Filippo Negroli

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.