Close-Helmet of Vicenzo I Gonzaga (1562–1612), Duke of Mantua
Not on view
Although incomplete––the face defense and collar lames are missing––this helmet is nevertheless an outstanding example of late-sixteenth-century Milanese armor. Its rich decoration, which is chiseled, punched, and damascened in gold and silver, includes eagles, crowns, and a monogram comprising the letters V and F (or VFL). An armor with identical decoration appears in a portrait of Vincenzo I Gonzaga (1562–1612), duke of Mantua (Palazzo Ducale, Mantua), thought to have been painted about 1587, the year of his accession. Other portions of this armor, which appears to have been a large garniture intended for field, mounted tournament, and foot combat at the barriers, are preserved in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris, and the Armeria Reale, Turin.
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