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Meridional Maximilian suit of armor, Italy, circa 1500–1515 Three-quarter view

Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides

Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
Paris, France

Made entirely from wrought iron, this suit of armor matches the Germanic codes of production (Nuremberg and Innsbruck in particular) despite having been produced in the 16th century in the Milan workshops of Lombardy. We can also call this Maximilian armor as its decoration largely uses grooving, slits, and shells on the breastplate and removable couters. The edges of the breastplate form deep twists, while the brass rivets, used to attach leather straps, have been shaped into rosettes.
As a technical detail, the vambraces are able to pivot. Finally, the textile decorations: the green velvet tunic, upper pantaloons in beige canvas, and the pantaloons in calfskin, date back much later, likely to the early 20th century—a period in which collector Georges Pauilhac liked to dress his suits of armor for a more realistic appearance.

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  • Title: Meridional Maximilian suit of armor, Italy, circa 1500–1515 Three-quarter view
  • Date Created: Ca. 1500
  • Location Created: Italy
  • Physical Dimensions: With support: 0,74 (w) x 1,70 (h) x 0,47 (l) m
  • Provenance: acquisition date: November 1964 (purchase)
  • Subject Keywords: Protection, Ornament
  • Type: Armet
  • Rights: Photo (C) Paris - Musée de l'Armée, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Philippe Fuzeau
  • Medium: Fer, Cuir, Laiton, Velours, Toile, Peau, Fils métalliques, Repoussé
  • Inventory: 562 PO
Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides

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