Detail View: The AMICA Library: Tilting Suit

AMICA ID: 
CMA_.1916.1511
AMICA Library Year: 
1998
Object Type: 
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality: 
European; Northern European; German
Creator Name-CRT: 
South Germany, second half 16th Century
Title: 
Tilting Suit
Title Type: 
Primary
View: 
Full View
Creation Date: 
second half of 16th Century
Creation Start Date: 
1550
Creation End Date: 
1599
Materials and Techniques: 
steel
Classification Term: 
Armor
Classification Term: 
Arms
Classification Term: 
Arms
Style or Period: 
South Germany
Dimensions: 
unmeasured
AMICA Contributor: 
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number: 
1916.1511
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Rights: 
Context: 
This armor was developed for the joust--a sporting combat of arms between two mounted contestants (though versions of jousting on foot also existed). This example shows the asymmetry of jousting armor. The participants rode along a wall-like barrier known as a 'tilt' with their left sides facing. Consequently, armor on that side of the body tended to be thicker. Note the larger reinforcment plate (called a grandguard) over the left shoulder for extra protection. Also, the breath holes in the helmetwere placed on the right side (farthest from an opponent's lance) to avoid injuries from splinters. The bracket attached to the right breastplate is called the lance-rest, a shock-absorbing support designed to accomodate the lance when 'couched' under the right armpit.The popularity of jousts and tournaments peaked around 1500 and required armor and other sporting equipment adapted for the endlessly varied games. By the reign of Emperor Maximilian I (1493-1519), there were at least eleven different forms of mounted jousts, exclusive of the numerous ceremonial combats on foot which employed such varied weapons as swords, halberds, pikes, and throwing axes. Each blow in the contest, especially favored in Germany, was carefully numbered and prescribed byrules.
Related Image Identifier Link: 
CMA_.1916.1511.tif