Infantry Armor
1510/15
Medium
Steel and leather
Dimensions
H.: 137.2 cm (54 in.)
Classification
suit
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
116330
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Infantry armors like this example were produced in quantities to outfit German mercenaries known as Landsknechte, who dominated battlefields in the early 16th century. As professional soldiers, these men were expected to equip themselves within their means. Answering the demand, armorers manufactured harnesses like this on spec rather than for a specific client. The breastplate, backplate, and splinted arms are adjustable and were designed to fit a common-sized soldier. Nevertheless, even as a p...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...