Backplate of an Armor for Vincenzo Luigi di Capua (d. 1627)
ca. 1595
Medium
Steel, gold, leather, copper alloy
Dimensions
H. approx. 15 in. (38 cm); W. approx. 11 in. (28 cm)
Classification
Armor Parts-Backplates
Culture
Italian, Milan
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Gift in honor of Maximilian and Alexander Saga, 2013
Accession Number
2013.618
Art Historical Context
This exquisite backplate, crafted around 1595 by the renowned Milanese armorer Pompeo della Cesa, formed part of a full suit of armor made for the Italian nobleman Vincenzo Luigi di Capua. As a leading figure in one of Europe’s premier armor-making centers, della Cesa specialized in creating functional yet highly decorative pieces for aristocratic and military patrons. Milan’s steel industry and skilled artisans made such works symbols of both protection and prestige during the late Renaissance. Fashioned from steel with lavish gold accents, leather fittings, and copper alloy elements, the ba...