The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of April 16, 2024
Proper Right Gauntlet
c. 1575
Overall: 32.7 x 15 cm (12 7/8 x 5 7/8 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1816.i
Location: 210A Armor Court
Description
Decoration was critical to fine armor, and etching was the most commonly used technique. Here, the bands along the borders are etched. On the breastplate, pauldrons (shoulder guards), and tassets (hip and upper leg guards), etched medallions enclose profile busts reminiscent of ancient Roman portraits. The lance rest on the breastplate indicates that this half-suit was once part of a complete field armor for man and horse. The etching technique used for armor was developed in the late 1400s. The metal surface was first coated with an acid-resistant substance, such as wax or varnish. An etching needle was then used to scratch a design into the surface. The exposed areas were then treated with an acid that would "bite" or etch the lines into the metal. When the coating was removed, the etched design was blackened for contrast.- Duc d'Osuna; Frank Gair Macomber, Boston, cat. # 155.
- Catalogue of Arms and Armour. Vol. 3, 16th century. [Boston, Massachusetts]: [Frank Gair Macomber], [1900-1915]. Mentioned and Reproduced: No. (155) 158 archive.org
- {{cite web|title=Proper Right Gauntlet|url=false|author=|year=c. 1575|access-date=16 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.1816.i