An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Half Armor for the Foot Tournamentc. 1590
Pompeo della Cesa
Pompeo della Cesa was the most renowned Italian armorer of the late 16th century. His clients included some of the most celebrated noblemen of their day--the two Spanish kings Philip II and III; Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza; and Vincenzo I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua. He is known to have maintained a large workshop in Milan's castle--the so-called Sforza Castle. The original owner of this armor remains unidentified. However, armors made for patrons of noble rank were typically of very high quality like this one. Ostentation was of paramount importance for public spectacles such as tournaments or parades. Most wealthy patrons afforded the additional expense of embellishing their armors. The most frequently used decorative technique for armor was etching, seen here, in which acid was used to "bite" into exposed surfaces of the armor's steel plates to create permanent patterns. The etched and gilded decoration of this armor features vertical bands of strapwork enclosing cartouches which in turn contain allegorical figures, classical warriors, and trophies. The decoration represents Pompeo's classic style of armor decoration, one which is found on over forty surviving suits. These and other decorative patterns were normally recorded in pattern books from which the prospective client made his selections.
This armor was designed for the foot tournament, an event that was separate from the equestrian jousts popularized during the Middle Ages and still favored among Renaissance aristocracies throughout Europe. Foot tournaments were commonly fought over a barrier that separated the combatants and gave protection to their legs, so a half-armor such as this one provided sufficient protection. The original owner of this suit would have worn it with colorful puffed and slashed britches and hose. The use of outlandish accessories, such as a large ostrich feather plume (a brass plume holder may be seen on the back of the helmet) and red velvet pickadils between the steel plates, provided additional splendor.
Pompeo della Cesa was the Armani or Gucci of the 1500s; everyone wanted to wear him.
etched and gilded steel, brass rivets, leather and velvet fittings
Overall: 31.7 x 27.7 x 21.6 cm (12 1/2 x 10 7/8 x 8 1/2 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In a time steeped in chivalry and grandeur, there existed a form of valor that unfolded not on horseback, but upon solid ground. Here, in the heart of the Middle Ages, tales of battle were sculpted into vibrant narratives. This was the age of the foot tournament—a regal contest, distinct from the equestrian jousts that enthralled the noble elite. What a spectacle it must have been!
Picture a sturdy arena, a barrier standing firm in the middle, separating fierce competitors. It was in this controlled chaos where the clash of steel rang out—a dance of skill and courage. The combatants, cloaked in their armor, were protected not just by the metallic sheen but by the very fabric of their application and spirit. Among them was a specific suit—half-armor, designed for foot combat, embodying both defense and grace.
As you glimpse this remarkable piece of history, imagine its original owner standing tall, adorned in lively, puffed britches that burst forth in hues akin to sunlit fields. These slashed garments, coupled with fine hose, created a vivid tapestry against the dull steel. And then, there were the accessories: a striking ostrich feather plume perched regally upon the helmet, an extravagant flourish that swayed gently with every measured step.
On the back of that helmet, an ornate brass plume holder gleamed, whispering stories of its maker’s craftsmanship, promising elegance alongside utility. Delicate red velvet pickadils nestled between the steel plates, a touch of opulence that echoed the wearer’s high status and impeccable taste.
It is in these details that we find significance, a reminder that even in the valor of battle, there was an unyielding desire for beauty and expression. The foot tournament was more than a clash of men; it was a celebration—a spectacle woven from courage, artistry, and a shared humanity that transcended time. Each gleaming piece of armor, each vibrant thread, tells us that stories live on in the artifacts of our history, waiting for those who take a moment to listen and reflect.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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