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Armor for a Member of the Barberini Family

ca. 1623–30
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 371
This armor is a deluxe version of a typical cuirassier’s armor, worn by heavy cavalry armed with sword and pistols. Its rich ornament and light weight, however, indicate that it was designed primarily for ceremonial wear and as a symbol of martial status.

The punched and chiseled decoration is characteristic of elaborate Milanese armor of the early seventeenth century. The designs include numerous crowned ovals enclosing bees, the badge of the Barberini, one of Rome’s most powerful families. The Barberini rose to prominence, wealth, and power with the election of Maffeo Barberini as Pope Urban VIII in 1623. Presumably, this armor was made for the ranking secular member of the family, either Carlo (1562–1630) or his son Tadeo (1603–1647). The pope’s brother, Carlo was general of the papal armies and duke of Monterotondo from 1623 and prince of Palestrina from 1629. Taddeo succeeded to his father’s titles and offices in 1630.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Armor for a Member of the Barberini Family
  • Date: ca. 1623–30
  • Geography: Milan
  • Culture: Italian, Milan
  • Medium: Steel, gold, silver, textile, leather
  • Dimensions: Wt. 34 lb. 8 oz. (15.65 kg); Wt. of helmet 5 lb. 3 oz. (2350 g)
  • Classification: Armor for Man-3/4 Armor
  • Credit Line: George F. Baker Fund, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.210a–m
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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