Breastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of Urbino

Breastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of Urbino

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This breastplate belongs to an armor made for Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), duke of Urbino from 1574. The armor is represented in a portrait of the prince painted by Federico Barocci soon after Francesco Maria returned to Urbino following his participation in the destruction of the Turkish fleet at the battle of Lepanto in October 1571. It is not known if Francesco Maria wore this armor during the battle or if he had it made afterward to celebrate his role in this historic victory. The heavy weight of the breastplate suggests that it was intended for battlefield use. The Barocci portrait depicts the prince wearing an infantry armor, which includes an open-faced helmet (burgonet) and a shield. However, the breastplate has a turning-pin at the top for the attachment of a reinforcing breastplate fitted for a lance-rest (now in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris). This indicates that the armor was intended for cavalry use as well and originally would have included a close-helmet and leg defenses.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Breastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of UrbinoBreastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of UrbinoBreastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of UrbinoBreastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of UrbinoBreastplate from an Armor of Francesco Maria II della Rovere (1548–1631), Duke of Urbino

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.