Mace

Unknown

ca. 1550–1600 · Steel · Arms and Armor

Steel armor evolved throughout the sixteenth century as a practical defense against most handheld weapons, including swords designed for cutting or thrusting and percussive weapons such as maces, war hammers, and axes. As with armor, some highly decorated weapons were made for active use, while others were purely ceremonial. By the end of the century, widespread use of firearms and artillery undermined the protective capabilities of traditional plate armor, leading to its gradual disuse in the seventeenth century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1600

Medium

Steel

Culture

Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942