Mace
Steel armor evolved throughout the sixteenth century as a practical defense against most handheld weapons, including swords designed for cutting or thrusting and percussive weapons such as maces, war hammers, and axes. As with armor, some highly decorated weapons were made for active use, while others were purely ceremonial. By the end of the century, widespread use of firearms and artillery undermined the protective capabilities of traditional plate armor, leading to its gradual disuse in the seventeenth century.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mace
- Date: ca. 1550–1600
- Culture: Italian
- Medium: Steel
- Dimensions: L. 25 3/16 in. (64 cm); L. of head 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); W. 5 in. (12.2 cm); Wt. 2 lbs. 15 oz. (1332.4 g)
- Classification: Shafted Weapons
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.44
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Italian
ca. 1540
Italian
ca. 1575 to 1600
Italian
ca. 1400–1450 and later
Italian
ca. 1475–80
Diego de Caias
ca. 1540
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