Knights in Armor showcases stunning examples of European arms and armor from the renowned collection of the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. More than one hundred rare objects—including full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, helmets, swords, and other weaponry—tell the tale of the European knight from the Middle Ages and Renaissance through to the medieval revival of the nineteenth century. The exhibition explains the historical and functional contexts of arms and armor of this period while also highlighting the undeniable beauty and artistic appeal of these works.
Organized by Contemporanea Progetti in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Supported in part by
The Sandra Schatten
Foundation
Supported in part by
The Anne and Joe Russell Family
Spanish translation sponsor
Additional funding provided by our Friends of Renaissance Art
Presented in part by
Exhibition gallery
Mounted figure with equestrian bard: Italian (Brescia). Suit of armor, 1560–65. Steel, mail, bronze, leather, and fabric, total height: 74 3/4 in.; European. Chanfron, mid-16th century. Steel and leather, 27 1/2 x 11 3/4 x 13 in.; European. Bit and bridle, 16th century. Steel and bronze, 3 7/8 x 15 3/4 x 9 in.; European. Stirrups, 16th century. Steel and leather, 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 x 5 7/8; European. Elements of barding (peytral and crupper), 19th century. Fabrics, 34 5/8 x 41 3/8 x 15 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Suit of armor with side sword: German (Nuremburg). Suit of armor, 1500–10. Steel, leather, and fabric; Northern Italian. Side sword, 1610–20. Steel. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Italian (Lombardy). Suit of Jousting Armor with Lance, ca. 1560–80. Steel, leather, and wood; armor: 72 7/8 x 27 1/2 x 19 5/8 in., lance: 114 1/8 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
European. Chanfron, mid-16th century. Steel and leather, 27 1/2 x 15 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
French. Close Helmet, ca. 1590. Steel, 11 3/4 x 13 x 7 7/8 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Unknown Italian painter. Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, late 16th century. Oil on canvas, 40 1/2 x 32 5/8 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Northern German. Close helmet, ca. 1550. Steel, 11 3/4 x 9 7/8 x 15 3/4 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Italian (Florence). Parade corselet, beginning of 17th century. Steel, bronze, leather, and velvet, 32 1/4 x 28 3/8 x 23 5/8 in., height with hand: 47 1/4 in. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Suit of armor with side sword: Italian (Lombardy). Suit of armor, ca. 1540–50. Steel, leather, fabric, and wood; Northern Italian. Side sword, 1600–25. Steel. Collection of Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy
Events and programs
Curator’s Perspective: The Aesthetic of Knights in Armor
Making Memories: A Dementia Social Engagement Program
