Reinforcing Plates of Armor for the Tilt

Reinforcing Plates of Armor for the Tilt

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

For the joust, or tilt, in the Italian fashion, the grandguard protecting the upper left chest and neck was close-fitting in contrast to the German use of a projecting tilt targe (cape-like defense for the left shoulder) screwed directly to the breastplate. The etched decoration, consisting of lush foliate scrolls and dragons on a recessed black ground, is characteristic of Innsbruck armors of the period.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Reinforcing Plates of Armor for the TiltReinforcing Plates of Armor for the TiltReinforcing Plates of Armor for the TiltReinforcing Plates of Armor for the TiltReinforcing Plates of Armor for the Tilt

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.