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Ceremonial Uniform of the Cent-Suisses

18th century
Not on view
This gala uniform for the Cent-Suisses, an elite unit of one hundred Swiss mercenaries charged with protecting the king inside the palace, would have been worn during the king’s public audiences with foreign ambassadors and on other special occasions. Its elaborate design—including a starched and pleated ruff, a doublet and trunk hose richly decorated with braid, and a plumed hat—dated back to the sixteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title:
    Ceremonial Uniform of the Cent-Suisses
  • Date:
    18th century
  • Culture:
    French
  • Medium:
    Silk and velvet (uniform), gold-plated iron (halberd), linen and flax (collar), leather and gold embroidery (gloves)
  • Dimensions:
    Halberd: 93 5/16 × 11 5/8 × 4 3/4 in., 130.146oz. (237 × 29.5 × 12 cm, 3.7 kg)
    Length (of jacket sleeve): 27 9/16 in. (70 cm)
    Length at CB (of jacket): 23 5/8 in. (60 cm)
    Width (of jacket waist): 35 7/16 in. (90 cm)
    Length (of trousers): 39 3/8 in. (100 cm)
    Width (of trouser waist): 33 7/16 in. (85 cm)
  • Classification:
    Main dress-Uniform
  • Credit Line:
    Swiss National Museum, Zurich (LM-16618.1-.2 [uniform], LM 70591 [halberd], LM 450-c [collar], AG–2419 [gloves], AD–2248 [wig])
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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