Half-armor for the Foot Tournament, c. 1590

Foot tournaments were friendly combats practiced during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Such tournaments were commonly fought over a barrier that separated the combatants and shielded their legs, so a half-armor like this one provided sufficient protection. Worn with colorful undergarments and an ostrich feather tucked into the helmet, its surface covered with etched and gilded decoration depicting allegorical figures, classical warriors, and trophies, the suit was also an attention-grabbing sign of the wearers wealth.