Artwork Page for Left Arm Elements from a Boy's Armor (Lower Cannon, Couter, Rerebrace)

Details / Information for Left Arm Elements from a Boy's Armor (Lower Cannon, Couter, Rerebrace)

Left Arm Elements from a Boy's Armor (Lower Cannon, Couter, Rerebrace)

c. 1560 (some modern)

Germany, Augsburg

Medium
etched and lightly embossed steel with traces of gilding, leather
Measurements
Overall: 17 cm (6 11/16 in.)
Weight: 800 g (1.76 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.708
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
210A Armor Court
Print
?

Did You Know?

Small-scale suits of armor would help prepare a young boy for knighthood.

Description

These elements once belonged to a full suit of armor that would have been made for a young boy. Decorated with etching, embossing, and gilding, the original suit would have been impressive. Dressing your sons in small custom suits of armor was popular with the wealthiest nobles. They would have been worn for parades and ceremonial occasions and once outgrown were often kept as mementos. Made for the left arm, the rerebrace or upper cannon protected the upper arm, the couter the elbow, and the lower cannon the forearm.
An etched steel arm guard consists of three overlapping sections, bending at a fan-shaped elbow guard extending to the right. Weathered dark metal is patterned with dense foliage and geometric bands, contrasting with polished silver highlights. Intricate patterns of curling leaves and wavy lines wrap around the tapered forearm. This section ends in a flared wrist held by a small hinge, while silver rivets secure the joint where the plates overlap.

Left Arm Elements from a Boy's Armor (Lower Cannon, Couter, Rerebrace)

c. 1560 (some modern)

Germany, Augsburg

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork