Detail View: The AMICA Library: Demi-Chanfron

AMICA ID: 
CMA_.1916.1526
AMICA Library Year: 
1998
Object Type: 
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality: 
European; Northern European; German
Creator Dates/Places: 
Germany
Creator Name-CRT: 
Germany, Augsburg, c. 1550
Title: 
Demi-Chanfron
Title Type: 
Primary
View: 
Full View
Creation Date: 
c. 1550
Creation Start Date: 
1540
Creation End Date: 
1560
Materials and Techniques: 
steel, etched and gilded; leather
Classification Term: 
Armor
Classification Term: 
Arms
Classification Term: 
Arms
Dimensions: 
Overall: 6.8cm x 24.5cm
AMICA Contributor: 
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number: 
1916.1526
Credit Line: 
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Rights: 
Context: 
The chanfron, head defense for a horse, was introduced in the 1300s. It included two side pieces to protect the cheeks. In the 16th and 17th centuries, when armor failed to protect against firearms, it assumed greater importance as ornament. For this reason the demi (or half) chanfron covered the forehead of the horse but extended, like this one, only halfway down the nose. The Hapsburg Spanish Court was served by the armorers of Augsburg in the 16th century. This impressively decorated piece, by tradition, is said to have once belonged to Philip II of Spain (1527-1598).
Related Image Identifier Link: 
CMA_.1916.1526.tif