Horse Peytral with Flame-Like Apertures

As armor worn by knights improved in the late Middle Ages, the horses they rode became targets for enemy combatants and equine armor became increasingly important and elaborate. The peytral was designed to wrap around the horse below its neck, covering its chest.

The Radziwiłł family, with its seat at Nieswicz Castle in present-day Belarus, wielded much power in Poland during the early 16th century. Like those of many other European noble families, the fortunes of the Radziwiłł declined in the later years. Following the First World War, they attempted to raise capital through sales of armor from their holdings, including this piece.

This steel peytral is particularly unusual in its decoration with flame-shaped openings all around that may have originally revealed a colorful fabric lining. Based on its dating and unique appearance, it is possible this piece belonged to one of the Radziwiłł brothers (Jerzy “Herkules,” Mikołaj II “Amor Poloniae,” or Jan “Brodaty”), and may have been used at the 1514 Battle of Orsha during the Ten Years’ War.

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.

Joseph Kindig, York, Pennsylvania [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, November 14, 1972, by purchase.