Exploring Arms and Armor: A Visit to the Metropolitan Museum

Throughout much of recorded history, warfare, sumptuary laws, and class status have incorporated the use of arms and armor into their typical fashion. The Arms and Armor exhibit, which includes the Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Arms and Armor Court showcase, is located on the first floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and it features various types and styles of armor and its related costumes throughout many periods and regions. Although I have seen photographs and illustrations of many of the costumes I observed, the experience of seeing numerous examples of armor in person was very informative and incredible. The minute and intricate detail, the diverse functions, and the worldly outlook made the experience one I would definitely repeat.

The exhibit consisted of various weapons, including swords, guns, and arrowheads, as well as full armor, from helmets and skirts to horse armor. Prior to my visit, I had never imagined how many pieces a full suit of armor consisted of. The cuirasses, greaves, and hauberks were abundant, and many resembled those seen in the paintings and tapestries I had previously studied. However, seeing the additions of collar plates, breast and back plates, vambraces, barbutes, and other intricate and important pieces

attributed to my realization of how pivotal these were to their respective societies. Even the animals, from horses to elephants, had their own attachable weapons and armor. Many elements of the armor were created with steel, leather, cloth, or even wood, depending on the region and time. It was interesting to see cuirasses that could be laced on nearby hourglass-shape armor that appeared extremely difficult to get on and off.
Another pivotal aspect of the exhibit was the diverse regions and influences nearly everything suit of armor displayed. Many breast plates and back plates, or even other parts, especially from the European continent, were gilt and etched with house crests, religious or historical scenes, or intricate patterns, depending on the owner. The armor from those regions were ones more often portrayed in modern theater and films, so the various helmets with wide verticals and nasal pieces seemed familiar to me. However, some helmets, such as the German Tournament Helm, resembled a bee-keeper’s headpiece rather than a piece of armor. It was also interesting to see different styles, even within the same region or time period. Seeing armor that belted at the waist, had different sleeve lengths, appeared to be filled with bombast, or had pointed cuirasses and flared skirts was fascinating. The armors of Asian influence and samurais also had influential connections to their portrayal in modern film, but seeing the detail, color, and various shapes in person was incredible. As I enjoy modern adaptations of historic, or even fantastical, armor, seeing full costumes, that may have been worn by actual people in their respective time periods and societies, was almost surreal.
Although I had recognized the different functions of armor prior to my visit, I had never realized the full extent of these functions. Growing up fencing, I was exposed to swords and their protective gear early on. The extent to our “armor” was a lightweight helmet with a rounded metal screen, a long sleeved, thick, leotard-like jacket, and an optional chest guard or breast protector plate. Visiting the exhibit enabled me to see the evolution of the armor that was built to make contact with weapons, such as the helmets and chest plates. However, in many cases, the armor displayed did not meet any physical contact. The more ornate and colorful costumes, with etched carvings and crests on the front and back, were meant for officers, noblemen, and royalty. Something that surprised me the most was the armor made for a young prince. The cuirass of the costume only seemed large enough with an average thigh to fit into. Included was a decorated helmet, shoulder pieces, and full metal gloves, all things that would seem practical for battle but has probably never seen it. Another quality of these costumes that stood out was the weight of them. Made of steel, some suits of armor weight 80-100lbs, which seems excessive but was most likely expected during those times.
In essence, the Arms and Armor exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was a fascinating display of protective and class-denoting costume throughout history.

Many societies were addressed, and being able to see actual garments worn by humans long since passed into history or legend was an amazing, eye-opening experience. Not only did I learn more about the styles and functions of armor, but I was able to see the finely crafted, personalized work of artists of a particular trade. I will undoubtedly revisit the exhibit, as the numerous amount of detail and craftsmanship is worth seeing again. Overall, I have a newfound respect for not only those who worn the intricate costumes, but also those who

made.