Keywords: Italian - Armor for the Duke of Medina Sidonia - Walters 51585.jpg This armor is engraved all over with a design based on an M signifying the duchy of Medina Sidonia It was made for Don Alonso Perez de Guzman el Bueno duke of Medina Sidonia 1550-1615 Extremely rich he was also commander of the Spanish fleet the Armada under King Philip II father of the Archduchess Isabella Spanish governor of the Southern Netherlands The background is darkened to contrast with the raised partially gilded decoration This armor was for use on horseback on the battlefield or for tournament jousting; on the right side of the breastplate are holes for bolting a lance rest This suit was originally complemented by other pieces so that different combinations could be used for combat and sport In the late 1500s Milan ruled by Spain with the duke of Medina Sidonia as its captain-general was one of the great European centers of armor making ca 1590 steel with traces of fire-gilding and silver inlay; modern leather and velvet cm 170 2 accession number 51 585 17890 Dukes of Mendoza and Medina Sidonia Don Joaquin Álvarez de Toledo 20th Duke of Medina Sidonia 1894-1955 date and mode of acquisition unknown Duke of Medina Sidonia Sale 1924 Marquis de Mondejar date and mode of acquisition unknown Henry Walters Baltimore 1925 mode of acquisition unknown Walters Art Museum Henry Walters Acquired by Henry Walters 1925 place of origin Milan Italy Walters Art Museum license Armour in the Walters Art Museum 16th-century armour Baroque sculpture in the Walters Art Museum Italian art in the Walters Art Museum Armour of Italy Lance rest Leather art |