Mace Made for Henry II of France

Diego de Caias

ca. 1540 · Steel, gold, silver · Arms and Armor

This mace bears the emblems and mottoes of Henry II (reigned 1547–59) and the signature of the Spanish-born swordsmith and damascener Diego de Çaias, who worked for the French court from 1535 to 1542 and then in England at the court of Henry VIII. The mace appears to have been made for Henry between the time he became dauphin (heir apparent) in 1539 and de Çaias's departure for England in 1542. The tiny multifigured battle scenes in gold and silver are characteristic of de Çaias's work.

Artist

Diego de Caias

Date

ca. 1540

Medium

Steel, gold, silver

Culture

French

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1904