Part of a Forearm Defense (Vambrace)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1450–70
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); D. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Wt. 5.9 oz. (167.3 g)
Classification
Armor Parts
Culture
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
29.150.38
Art Historical Context
This elegant steel vambrace, or forearm defense, hails from Italy around 1450–70, a pivotal era bridging the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Crafted for a knight or man-at-arms, it formed part of a full suit of armor, protecting the lower arm during fierce combats or tournaments. At just 8½ inches high and a mere 5.9 ounces, its lightweight design highlights the Italian armorer's mastery in balancing robust defense with essential mobility on the battlefield. Italian armorers of this period were renowned for their innovative steelworking techniques, forging plates that were both resilien...