European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Armor, for use in the free Tourney (Freiturnier) Made in Saxony, Germany, Europec. 1575 Artist/maker unknown, German, Saxon Punched steel; leather (replaced) * Gallery 247, Arms and Armor, second floor (Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Galleries) 1977-167-33 Bequest of Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, 1977 |
LabelThis armor illustrates the prolonged use of armor for mock combat at a few German courts when these contests were no longer popular in most parts of Europe. The name painted on the interior of the armor identifies it as re-worn by Lieutenant Colonel Christian Vitzthum von Eckstädt, who took part in the jousts held in 1719 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Frederick Augustus II of Saxony (1696-1763, ruled as prince elector of Saxony and king of Poland 1733 to 1763) to Archduchess Marie Josephe of Austria (1699-1757).* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
