Reinforcing Pieces for the Tourney
In the late fifteenth century, specialized exchange and reinforcing pieces were devised that allowed a single field armor to be adapted for use in various forms of the tournament. The ensemble of pieces was known as a garniture. The armorers Lorenz Helmschmid (about 1445–1516) and his son Kolman, working for Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519), were among the principal inventors of the garniture. Exhibited here are some of the earliest pieces stamped with the mark of Kolman, the most innovative armorer of his generation.
These reinforces represent an early form of garniture for the tourney, a combat fought by groups of horseman armed with blunted lances and swords. The decoration imitates the elaborately brocaded textile that was fashionable in court costume.
These reinforces represent an early form of garniture for the tourney, a combat fought by groups of horseman armed with blunted lances and swords. The decoration imitates the elaborately brocaded textile that was fashionable in court costume.
Artwork Details
- Title: Reinforcing Pieces for the Tourney
- Armorer: Kolman Helmschmid (German, Augsburg 1471–1532)
- Date: ca. 1510–15
- Geography: Augsburg
- Culture: German, Augsburg
- Medium: Steel, copper alloy, gold
- Dimensions: as mounted, H. 37 in. (94 cm)
- Classification: Armor Parts
- Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Bequest of Bashford Dean, 1928
- Object Number: 29.150.6d, f, m–p
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1510–20 and later
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1515–20
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1520
Kolman Helmschmid
1534–36
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