Gothic Armor
Unknown Artist
late 15th century; extensively restored and completed ca. 1926
Medium
Steel, leather, copper alloy (latten), iron, brass
Dimensions
Wt. (without helmet) 45 lb. 4 oz. (20.53 kg); Wt. of mail sleeves 8 lb. (3629 g); 29.150.8n (leg defense); H. 21 in. (53.5 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); D. 9 in. (22.9 cm); Wt. 3lb. 12.1 oz. (1703.8 g); 29.150.8q (greave); H. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); W. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm); D. 5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 1.3 oz. (944 g); 29.150.8r (mail sleeve): L. 28 5/16 in. (72.0 cm); W. 12 5/8 in. (32.0 cm); Diam. (outside) of main section links 7/32 in. (5.5 mm); Diam. (inside) of main section links 5/32 in. (4.7 mm); Diam. (outside) of cuff links 3/16 in. (4.4 mm); Diam. (inside) of cuff links 3/32 (2.5 mm); 29.150.8s (mail sleeve): L. 32 1/8 in. (81.5 cm); W. 15 in. (38.0 cm); Diam. (outside) of links 7/32 in. (5.9 mm); Diam. (inside) of links 5/32 (3.7 mm)
Classification
Armor for Man
Culture
German and Italian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Bequest of Bashford Dean, 1928
Accession Number
29.150.8b–s
Art Historical Context
This stunning Gothic Armor, originating from Germany and Italy in the late 15th century, exemplifies the pinnacle of medieval plate armor craftsmanship during the late Gothic period. Designed for a man, it reflects the era's military innovations, when full-body protection evolved to counter advancing firearms and melee weapons. The suit's angular, fluted design—evoking Gothic architecture—offered both mobility and deflection of blows, weighing a formidable 45 pounds without its helmet, yet allowing a knight to mount a horse or wield a sword effectively. Crafted primarily from steel, with leat...