How to Read European Armor

La Rocca, Donald J. (2017)

This title is in print.

Publication Details

Description

Many of us have long been captivated by images of knights in shining armor evoking the age of chivalry and the ideals of Camelot. In this richly illustrated volume, the beauty and complexity of the actual armor worn by European knights and soldiers comes brilliantly to the fore.

How to Read European Armor presents a compelling overview of armor in Europe from the Middle Ages through the seventeenth century, the period when armor as an art form achieved its highest levels of stylistic beauty and functional perfection. During that time, skilled armorers developed ingenious solutions for protecting the body with armor that was effective and often amazingly ornate.

This volume features historically important examples of armor such as a suit made in the royal workshops of Greenwich, England, almost certainly for King Henry VIII himself; a masterfully etched work created by a famed Nuremberg armorer for Emperor Ferdinand I; and sumptuous armor for the warhorse of an Italian nobleman. The engaging text extensively examines armor's complex parts and many decorative techniques, and sets the lively historical context for how European armor thrived in the field of combat, in tournaments, and on ceremonial occasions. A book for any reader drawn to the chivalric and courtly life of Europe, How to Read European Armor highlights the many innovations of armorers who created these legendary marvels of art and technology.

Table of contents

Foreword

INTRODUCTION
Highlights in the Development of Armor in Europe
Centers of Armor Production

THE SUM OF ITS PARTS: ARMOR FROM HEAD TO TOE
Helmets
Gorgets
Breastplates, Tassets, and Backplates
Pauldrons
Vambraces
Gauntlets
Leg Defenses: Poleyns, Cuisses, Greaves, and Sabatons

THE DOS AGUAS ARMOR AS A GARNITURE

ARMORED SADDLES AND HORSE ARMOR

TOURNAMENT ARMOR

DECORATION Etching
Mercury Gilding and Heat Bluing
Engraving, Inlay, and Damascening
Embossing
Applied Borders and Appliqués

HOW TO READ EUROPEAN ARMOR

EPILOGUE

Suggested Reading

Acknowledgments

About the authors

Donald J. La Rocca is Curator in the Department of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Press reviews

Military History

"Richly illustrated…the Metropolitan Museum's curator of Arms and Armor takes the reader through the beauty and complexity of European armour from the early Middle Ages to the 17th century. La Rocca examines in detail the complex parts of armour and the equally varied techniques that comprise the armourer's art. Whether for combat, tournaments, or ceremonial use, there is a fine range of material to be found here."

Man At Arms

"It is the overwhelming impression caused by a complete suit of armor that makes a more detailed explanation of its component parts essential, for each of these pieces serves a specific function and has to be fully synchronized to tis abutting partner. In short, that is the basic purpose of How To Read European Armor and in short, it not only meets that goal but exceeds it… While some of the terms used to describe armor (pauldrons, poleyns, vambraces) will no doubt appear to be arcane to those just approaching the subject, La Rocca explains them simply and concisely…Though intended for a novice, this book will hold surprises even for seasoned collectors and is therefore recommended to all. Given its content, down-to-earth presentation and imagery, it would make a perfect present for someone expressing an interest in armor."

Related Titles

Titles by thematic category (1944)

European Art (General)

European Art in the 17th–18th Centuries

European Art in the Renaissance

Medieval Art

Titles by author (26)

Donald J. LaRocca

Plan Ahead

MetPublications