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Mace Made for Henry II of France

Damascener Diego de Caias Spanish
ca. 1540
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 374
This mace bears the emblems and mottoes of Henry II (reigned 1547–59) and the signature of the Spanish-born swordsmith and damascener Diego de Çaias, who worked for the French court from 1535 to 1542 and then in England at the court of Henry VIII. The mace appears to have been made for Henry between the time he became dauphin (heir apparent) in 1539 and de Çaias's departure for England in 1542. The tiny multifigured battle scenes in gold and silver are characteristic of de Çaias's work.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mace Made for Henry II of France
  • Damascener: Diego de Caias (Spanish, recorded 1535–49)
  • Date: ca. 1540
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Steel, gold, silver
  • Dimensions: L. 24 in. (60.9 cm); W. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 8 oz. (1588 g)
  • Classification: Shafted Weapons
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.3.59
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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