TEACHER WELCOME TO THE AGE OF GUIDE KNIGHTS The Ringling Museum of Art is thrilled to present Knights, an exhibition from the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. When we conjure up images of knights, we usually think of medieval warriors, round tables, daring deeds, and shining armor. However, use of armor extends well beyond the medieval period. The pieces of armor found in this exhibition date from the Renaissance and Baroque periods (1500 – 1700) and display the remarkable evolution of armor from functional protection in battle to still functional, but exquisite, examples of ceremonial and parade dress. This guide has been designed as an aid for you to visit the exhibition with your students and includes background information on sections of the exhibition and discussion starters for your class. This tour can be adapted to fit any grade level and extension activities for the classroom are included.

HORSES Horses were central to life and livelihood in medieval and Renaissance Europe. Some horses were used for labor, some for sport, and some for war. During battle, protecting one’s steed was as important as protecting oneself. During celebrations such as jousts, tournaments, or parades, one’s horse would be as decorated as its rider. Horses wore colorful trappings such as rich fabrics, feather plumes, and the family’s coat-of-arms.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What purpose might each piece of the horse’s armor serve? Why might knights have included sumptuous fabrics as part of their horse’s armor? In what type of setting do you think this particular set of armor would have been used—in warfare or in a parade and tournament? If you saw these horses on parade, how might they make you feel? What mood do you think they would inspire as they paraded through the town?

CLASSROOM CONNECTION Horses were not only used in war, but were important animals used in farming, trade, and transportation. Use a t-chart to compare transportation in the Renaissance with transportation today. For example, people both today and in the Renaissance would walk to move around, but in the Renaissance wagons were as common as vans are today. How have the changes in methods of transportation affected world trade? What are some other repercussions of people’s increased ability to travel? TEACHER GUIDE KNIGHTS

CORSELETS A corselet is the assemblage of armor that covers the trunk of the body. These four corselets, each made about 15-20 years apart, were made to be both functional and beautiful.

PARADE CORSELET CORSELET OF INFANTRYMAN Italian manufacture, Florence, Beginning of 17th German manufacture, Nuremberg, End of century. Steel, bronze, leather, velvet. On loan 16th – early 17th centuries. Steel, leather, from Museo Stibbert, Firenze. fabric. On loan from Museo Stibbert, Firenze. This corselet is different from the others This ornamental corselet was likely in this set because it was designed made for an important person to wear for practical use in battle, as opposed at the marriage of Cosimo II de’ Medici, to ceremonial use in tournaments Duke of Tuscany and Maria Maddalena and parades. Black and white armor of Austria. Cosimo II was a great were typical of the German mercenary supporter of the sciences, and famously soldiers, Landsknechts— appointed Galileo Galilei as court mathematician in 1610. the most feared hired infantry in Europe during the 15th DISCUSSION STARTERS and 16th centuries. This mercenary army fought for pay and What type of person do you think this armor was made for? decided many important battles throughout Europe. When might this armor have been worn? DISCUSSION STARTER How would you feel wearing this type of armor? What differences can you see between this corselet and the others? What does that tell us about its use? CORSELET OF THE PAPAL GUARDS Italian manufacture, Brescia, Ca. 1590. CORSELET OF THE MEDICI GUARDS Steel, leather, fabric. On loan from Museo Italian manufacture, Milan, Ca. 1575. Stibbert, Firenze. Steel, leather, fabric. On loan from Museo The Papal Guards, also known as the Stibbert, Firenze. Pontifical Swiss Guard, are an elite This corselet was likely made for an team of bodyguards who protect officer of the Medici Guards. The Medici the Pope. Established in 1506, the were a powerful family who controlled Papal Guards are among the oldest Florence from the 13th – 18th centuries. continuous military units, still protecting St. John, the patron saint of Florence, is Pope Francis today. This corselet bears the coat-of-arms of engraved in the center of the breastplate. This corselet was the Barberini family, Pope Urban VIII’s (Pope from 1623 – decorated using an etching technique, a process that creates 1644) birth name was Maffeo Vincenzo Barberini. delicate lines and intricate designs by using acid to etch the DISCUSSION STARTER unprotected areas of metal. The Papal Guards are known for their yellow, blue and red DISCUSSION STARTERS outfits which they still wear today. Imagine what this armor What purpose would armor serve for a person guarding one would look like over billowing yellow and blue stripped cloth. of Europe’s most powerful families? How does that change your impression of the corselet? What impression would a guard in this armor leave on someone visiting the Medici family?

CLASSROOM CONNECTION All four of these corselets have an interwoven history. Landsknechts mercenaries who were frequently hired by The Corselet of the Medici Guards and the Parade the European powers and were famously responsible for Corselet were likely made for the Medici family who sacking Rome in 1527. Discuss how objects of material controlled Florence. Cosimo II de’ Medici hired Galileo culture, such as these corselets, tell a story from Galilei to be court mathematician, where Galileo met the history. If you were to tell a story about your life, what future Pope Urban VIII. Urban VIII, whose coat-of-arms objects would you use to illustrate your point? is born on the Corselet of the Papal Guards, and Galileo Back in the classroom, research Galileo Galilei and Pope were embroiled in the famous heliocentric debate Urban VIII’s long relationship. How did science and on whether the earth rotates around the sun or vice religion intersect during the 16th century? versa. The Corselet of Infantryman was worn by the TEACHER GUIDE KNIGHTS

HELMETS Helmets were worn to protect the head, neck and face. Knights would choose their helmet depending on the occasion. Close helmets, or helmets with a visor that completely encased the wearer’s face, were used when the knight needed to protect his entire face. The visor could be pushed up to expose the face and allow breathing more freely- can you see the hinges and the breathing holes of the helmets on display? Other helmets, such as the burgonet and the savoyard were used by soldiers during battle. The burgonet were primarily worn by infantry, while the savoyard were worn by cavalry from the Duchy of Savoy, an area in present day France and Switzerland. Still others, such as the sallet, were designed for tournament use and protect areas of the body particularly at risk during tournament games like the joust.

READ THE FOLLOWING HELMET DESCRIPTIONS AND FIND AN EXAMPLE IN THIS GALLERY.

Burgonet Helmet with a crest running from front to back, often with a braid motif. POMPEO DELLA CESA Close Helmet This helmet was likely made by the armorer Pompeo Helmet with a visor that can be closed to completely della Cesa. Della Cesa ran the most famous armor cover the face workshop in Milan and outfitted prominent men Morion throughout Europe. Open helmet with wide flat brim and typically a crest DISCUSSION STARTERS from front to back. Does not include a visor How is creating armor similar to creating a Sallet work of art? Light helmet with an outward curve extending over the Do you consider this helmet to be a work of art? back of the neck. Why or why not? Savoyard Helmet with large eye holes and a brim over the face CLASSROOM CONNECTION Like the armorer Pompeo della Cesa, many DISCUSSION STARTERS contemporary designers make objects that are both Which helmet do you think would offer the most protection? functional and aesthetically pleasing. Consider Why? fashion designers such as Ralph Lauren and Guccio Which helmet would be the easiest to wear? Which would be Gucci, industrial inventors and designers such the most difficult? Consider aspects like visibility, weight, as James Dyson, and graphic designers such as ability to breathe, comfort, and snugness. Chip Kidd. The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has resources for students to study the How do the different helmet shapes serve different functions? intersection of aesthetic design and functional use. Find a highly decorated helmet. When do you imagine you Discuss how the armor in this exhibition is both would wear this helmet? functional and beautiful. How do the armor sets How might seeing a knight in full armor make you feel? Would compare to contemporary examples of aesthetic and you feel inspired? Intimidated? Or something else entirely? functional design? What role do you think these feelings played in establishing Using your background knowledge, create a design the knight’s social standing? for a product that is both functional and beautiful. Sketch your idea and explain the purpose your object serves as well as the design elements you Above right: Pompeo della Cesa, Facial Part of helmet-type known as have chosen. Savoyard,ca. 1590. Steel, fabric. On loan from Museo Stibbert, Firenze. TEACHER GUIDE KNIGHTS

SWORDS As a close-combat weapon, swords were an important tool in the knight’s armory; however, with the increased use of firearms in the 16th and 17th centuries warriors relied less on swords in battle and more on long-range weaponry. Swords still played an important role in civilian life in the Medieval Ages and the Renaissance and were worn as a marker of social status and wealth. Duels, a common method of conflict resolution among the noble classes, were also fought using swords.

SWORDS FOR CIVILIAN DRESS SWORDS FOR WAR Smallswords are light, one-handed swords designed for Katzbalger swords were used thrusting and often include elaborate hilts. Gentlemen’s attire by the German mercenaries, was completed by an elegant, but absolutely functional, Landsknechts. The smallsword worn on the hip. Landsknechts were fearsome warriors who fought for the DISCUSSION STARTERS highest bidder. They were Look at the hilts of these smallswords. What can you deduce best known for their skill using about these sword’s purpose? the pike, though their swords would have been necessary Compare the smallswords with the side swords. How are they for close combat. Unable to similar? How are they different? What could those differences afford more expensive swords tell us about how these swords were used? such as side swords, two- Swords were worn by men at fancy occasions to show how handed swords, or rapiers, wealthy and important they were. What are some status the Katsbalger sword was a symbols we wear today to show our wealth or importance? favorite among the infantry. The Landsknecht mercenaries SWORDS FOR FENCING came from all walks of Side swords evolved as fencing gained popularity as a sport. life: peasants, nobles, and Fencing is a sport where two participants display their criminals. swordsmanship, gaining points by making contact with their opponent. Today, fencing involves protective gear and safe, DISCUSSION STARTERS flexible swords, but during the early modern period, fencers After looking at armor, how effective do you think swords would use their own sharp swords. During the Renaissance, would be in battle? swords and daggers not only made a gentleman’s outfit What are some differences between swords used for war, such complete, but were weapons of self-defense during a time as the Katzbalger and the Cinquedea, and swords used to where arguments could be resolved by dueling. showcase wealth and position such as the smallswords?

DISCUSSION STARTERS How would the introduction of firearms affect the use of swords in wartime? In what ways would a side sword be more effective in battle than a smallsword? Why might a leader employ a group of mercenaries? What risks would they be taking? Which sword would you want for everyday wear? Can you find the symbol of the wolf on this sword’s blade? This Examine the hilts of several side swords. Compare them with mark signifies a well-made blade, and was originally used by the hilts of smallswords. How are the hilts different? How are the workshops in Passau, Germany. What are some modern they similar? Which is your favorite? trademarks that communicate high quality goods? What purpose do you think the complicated hilt structure on side swords served? Above: Katzbalger Sword, Southern German manufacture, End of the 15th century. Steel, copper, horn. On loan from Museo Stibbert, Firenze.

CLASSROOM CONNECTION During the early modern period, sword use shifted from of firearms and canons changed the way war was a warrior’s weapon to a status symbol of wealth and conducted in Europe. What other 16th century inventions gentility. This shift mirrors changes happening in war had significant impact on life in Europe? tactics during this period. Research how the introduction TEACHER GUIDE KNIGHTS

FUNCTIONS

The most obvious and original function of plate armor was to protect knights or men-at-arms on battlefields, whether on foot or horse. Armor served other purposes as well. Many exclusive troops of guards had distinctive suits of armor, worn as a uniform that identified their sovereign or patron.

As firearms became more effective and the utility of full plate armor declined on the battlefield, generals and commanders still wore full suits of armor until the early 1700s. It was the only way they could be mounted and survey the overall battlefield with safety from distant musket fire.

Consequently, full suits were made more and more for sport or ceremonial purposes and became known as parade armor. Full plate armor was expensive to produce and therefore restricted to the upper strata of society. The decoration of fine armor greatly increased in this period, using a whole range of techniques, and greatly increasing the cost. Nonetheless, lavishly decorated suits of armor remained the fashion with 17th century noblemen and monarchs who often posed in elaborate armor in their official portraits. TEACHER GUIDE KNIGHTS

Comb or Crest

Visor ARMOR Helmet DIAGRAM

Gorget

Breastplate Pauldron

Rerebrace Counter or Elbow-cop

Vambrace

Gauntlet Tasset

Cuisse Fauld

Greave Poleyn

Sabaton TEACHER GUIDE KNIGHTS

CONTINUE THE ADVENTURE

Visit the Education Space in the exhibition to learn more about life in Renaissance Europe. Take a quiz to determine what your role would be in early modern society. Discover tales of knights, dragons, danger and damsels in the reading nook. Visit galleries 5, 6, and 11 (see map) to learn more about life in Renaissance Europe though painting and sculpture!

CHAO CENTER FOR ASIAN ART nd Floor (pictured) PAVILION GALLERY Entrance on Ground Floor SEARING WING SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS ENTRANCE KNIGHTSF D E H EXHIBITION G

CHAO GALLERY

MONDA GALLERY C J

A B

12 11

13 10

14 9

15 8 Galleries 16 5, 6, 11

17 COURTYARD 7

18 6

5 19 4

20 3

21 LOBBY 1 2

MAIN ENTRANCE VISITORS PAVILION This exhibition was organized by Contemporanea Progetti in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert, Florence, Italy.

Support for this exhibition was generously provided, in part, by the Arthur F. and Ulla R. Searing Endowment, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation Endowment, and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Foundation. EXHIBITION SPONSOR: Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

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