Portions of an Armor for Vincenzo Luigi di Capua (d. 1627)

Pompeo della Cesa

ca. 1595 · Steel, gold, leather, copper alloy · Arms and Armor

These elements form part of a light-cavalry or infantry armor made for the Neapolitan nobleman Vincenzo Luigi di Capua (d. 1627), count of Altavilla and prince of Riccia. The breastplate bears his personal impresa (emblem), a sunburst above the motto Nulla Quies Alibi (No Repose But Here). Pompeo della Cesa, whose etched signature “Pompeo” is found near the top of the breastplate in the center, was the foremost Milanese armorer of the late sixteenth century. His patrons included Philip II of Spain, who also ruled as duke of Milan; Alessandro Farnese, duke of Parma; and Emanuele Filiberto, duke of Savoy. Pompeo probably headed a large workshop and also acted as a contractor in cooperation with other shops to fill particularly large commissions. The decoration includes bands of trophies alternating with bands of allegorical and Biblical figures, one of several distinct decorative styles employed in Pompeo’s workshop.

Artist

Pompeo della Cesa

Date

ca. 1595

Medium

Steel, gold, leather, copper alloy

Culture

Italian, Milan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gorget, pauldrons, and breastplate: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2001; Backplate: Purchase, Gift in honor of Maximilian and Alexander Saga, 2013