The books and instruments depicted and the perspectival structure of the studiolo's space reflect Federico da Montefeltro's humanistic aspirations. Another essential side of his personality, that of feudal lord and military leader, is conveyed by other objects: the armor, the coat of arms, and the panels with emblematic devices that appear beneath the cabinets.

The five pieces of armor in the left cabinet on the window side of the studiolo evoke the pageantry of courtly tournaments—a pair of greaves (shin guards), a pair of rowled spurs, a mace, a pair of gauntlets (gloves), and a helmet with the Montefeltro eagle holding an armorial shield as a crest. The open-faced sallet depicted here was a favorite type of fifteenth-century parade headgear: covered with velvet and embellished with jewels and gilding, it recalls the helmets given in Florence as prizes at jousts or other ceremonies.

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