Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Armor for the Duke of Medina Sidonia
(Arms and Armor , Baroque Europe )
This armor is engraved all over with a design based on an M, signifying the duchy of Medina Sidonia. It was made for Don Alonso Perez de Guzman el Bueno, duke of Medina Sidonia (1550-1615). Extremely rich, he was also commander of the Spanish fleet (the Armada) under King Philip II (father of the Archduchess Isabella, Spanish governor of the Southern Netherlands).
The background is darkened to contrast with the raised, partially gilded decoration. This armor was for use on horseback on the battlefield or for tournament jousting; on the right side of the breastplate are holes for bolting a lance rest. This "suit" was originally complemented by other pieces so that different combinations could be used for combat and sport. In the late 1500s, Milan, ruled by Spain (with the duke of Medina Sidonia as its captain-general), was one of the great European centers of armor making.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Dukes of Mendoza and Medina Sidonia (?); Don Joaquin Álvarez de Toledo, 20th Duke of Medina Sidonia (1894-1955) [date and mode of acquisition unknown];
Duke of Medina Sidonia Sale, 1924; Marquis de Mondejar [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1925 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| Examination | examined for condition | |
| Treatment | cleaned; coated; other | |
| 12/7/1964 | Examination | technical study |
| 1/4/1965 | Treatment | x-ray fluorescence; other |
| 10/26/1965 | Treatment | cleaned |
| 5/3/1966 | Treatment | cleaned |
| 12/9/2003 | Examination | examined for condition |
| 11/11/2004 | Technical Report | x-ray fluorescence |
Geographies
Italy, Milan (Place of Origin)
Measurements
67 in. (170.2 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1925
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
51.585