Mitten Gauntlet for the Right Hand
c. 1540/50
Medium
Steel and brass, etched
Classification
suit-gauntlet
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
116435
Art Historical Context
Step into the riveting world of 16th-century European armor with this *Mitten Gauntlet the Right Hand*, crafted around 1540–50. Part of a full suit of, this glove-like protector shielded the wearer's hand during jousts, battles, or parades. The "mitten" design—enclosing the fingers together rather than articulating them individually—balanced robust defense with enough flexibility for gripping a lance or sword, a clever evolution in protective gear during the Renaissance. Forged from steel and brass, then intricately etched, the gauntlet showcases the era's masterful metalworking. Etching invo...
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...