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The Art of the Armorer in 16th-Century Europe (lecture)

Date: Sunday, November 11, 2007
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Getty Center, Harold M. Williams Auditorium
Admission: Free; reservations required.

In medieval and Renaissance Europe, warriors, war horses, and sometimes even children were outfitted with spectacular armor. This armor was practical protection for combat, hunting, and tournaments, as well as impressive costume for parades. But armor was also art—breathtaking sculpture in steel whose ornaments were cleverly designed to impress without impeding function. Learn the secrets of the armorer's craft in this free lecture by historian of armor Donald LaRocca and discover the many types of 16th-century armor, from the garniture, or basic suit of armor, to the swords, maces, and shields that completed the well-equipped warrior's formidable battle ensemble.

After the lecture, see the spectacular armor in Medieval Treasures from the Cleveland Museum of Art (on view October 30, 2007–January 20, 2008 at the Getty Center), which includes a German suit of armor and chanfron (face armor for a horse), an Italian helmet and bill (curved sword), a fearsome crossbow that once belonged to Augustus I of Saxony, and more.

About Donald J. LaRocca
As curator in the Department of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Donald J. LaRocca oversees an astonishing collection of armor, weapons, and martial accoutrements of sculptural and ornamental beauty from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and America. He is co-author of The Armored Horse in Europe, 1480–1620 and Arms and Armor: Notable Acquisitions 1991–2002 and editor of Himalayan Warriors Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet, the catalogue for a recent exhibition at the Met that was the first comprehensive study of armor, weapons, and equestrian equipment from the Tibetan plateau.

Half-Armor for the Foot Tournament / Italian


How to Get Here
The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, California, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. See Hours, Directions, Parking for directions and parking information.

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