Jousting Armor (Rennzeug) and Matching Half-Shaffron

ca. 1580–90

Not on view

This armor was intended for use in the Scharfrennen, a joust fought in an open field by two contestants mounted on horses and armed with relatively sharp lances. The sport remained popular at the court of the prince-electors of Saxony long after it had gone out of fashion elsewhere in Europe.

This is one of more than thirty almost identical armors––some brightly polished and others painted black––formerly kept in the ducal armory in Dresden for use in court tournaments. The armors are thought to have been made locally by Saxon armorers in Dresden and Annaberg.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title:
Jousting Armor (Rennzeug) and Matching Half-Shaffron
Date: ca. 1580–90
Geography: probably Dresden or Annaberg
Culture: German, probably Dresden or Annaberg
Medium: Steel, leather, paint
Dimensions: Wt. 65 lb. 2 oz. (29.6 kg)
Classification: Armor for Man-3/4 Armor
Credit Line: Gift of George D. Pratt, 1926
Object Number: 26.92.4a–v
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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