Half Armor
- Culture
- Italian
- Date
- 1600–10
- Classification
- Arms & armor
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 26 1/2 x 27 1/2 x 12 1/4 in. (67.3 x 69.9 x 31.1 cm)
weight: 28 lb. 12 oz. (13 kg) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 230:1923a-g
NOTES
This armor retains its original gilding: a decorative layer of gold applied to a metal surface that here outlines a crescent pattern. The deep-brown crescents were probably once shiny blue. Armor could be colored to shades of blue-black, turquoise blue, or reddish brown. The embellishments mimicked men’s clothing made from silk and gold-wrapped threads. In its original coloration, this half armor for mock combats fought on foot would have dazzled opponents and spectators alike. It was likely made for a member of the powerful Strozzi family of Florence, whose coat of arms features three silver crescent moons.
Provenance
c.1600–1610 -
Strozzi family, Florence, Italy [1]
- 1923
Enrico Caruso, Italy (1873-1921)
1923 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased at auction, "The Enrico Caruso Art Treasures and Antiquities," American Art Galleries, New York, NY, March 5-8, 1923, lot no. 1035 [2]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is the auction catalogue, "The Rare and Beautiful Antique Art Treasures," American Art Association, New York, March 5-8, 1923. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.
[1] Notes on Strozzi family connection and verification of Strozzi family crest (suggested by the red wax seals found on the interior of the suit) provided by armor scholars Walter Karcheski Jr. and Lionello G. Boccia [SLAM document files].
[2] Purchased at "The Enrico Caruso Art Treasures and Antiquities," as a single lot that also included 231:1923, 232:1923, and 233:1923. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, April 6, 1923.
Strozzi family, Florence, Italy [1]
- 1923
Enrico Caruso, Italy (1873-1921)
1923 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased at auction, "The Enrico Caruso Art Treasures and Antiquities," American Art Galleries, New York, NY, March 5-8, 1923, lot no. 1035 [2]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is the auction catalogue, "The Rare and Beautiful Antique Art Treasures," American Art Association, New York, March 5-8, 1923. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.
[1] Notes on Strozzi family connection and verification of Strozzi family crest (suggested by the red wax seals found on the interior of the suit) provided by armor scholars Walter Karcheski Jr. and Lionello G. Boccia [SLAM document files].
[2] Purchased at "The Enrico Caruso Art Treasures and Antiquities," as a single lot that also included 231:1923, 232:1923, and 233:1923. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, April 6, 1923.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.