Armor for Field and Tournament
Jörg T. Sorg, the Younger (German, Augsburg, active 1502-1542)
About 1560
- Medium
- Steel with gilding, iron, brass, leather, and cord
- Classification
- Armor
- Dimensions
- H.: 185.4 cm (73 in.)
- Culture
- Augsburg
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago, Applied Arts of Europe
- Credit line
- George F. Harding Collection
- Rights
- Public domain (CC0), as the museum states it.
- Who can see it
- Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed
View at the Art Institute of Chicago
About this work
The growing relationship between armor and costume in the 16th century is indicated in the delicately incised and etched center band with scalloped edge on this armor, which mimics the embroidered front closing of a contemporary male doublet (a close-fitted bodice). The particularly fine decoration of etched floral arabesques suggests the workmanship of the Augsburg armory, perhaps of Jörg T. Sorg. The elements of this armor are from the same garniture—multiple matching pieces of armor that could convert a basic suit into various field or sporting armors. Perforations on the breastplate are for bolting a shock-absorbing lance rest in place and reinforcing plate armor for sporting events. When approaching an opponent, the latch door on the helmet would be closed for protection, whereas in more casual times, the door would be opened for air circulation.
Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0
