Pair of Gauntlets for a Child 1560 - 1610

These child-sized gauntlets were made by Lucio Piccinino around the turn of the 17th century, likely in Italy, from steel, gold, and silver. Look closely at the surfaces; they have been meticulously etched and gilded. The steel forms the structure, while the gold and silver elevate these from mere hand protection to a symbol of status. Armor like this was painstakingly made, requiring a huge amount of labor from skilled artisans who plied their trade for wealthy patrons. Consider the original owner, a child born into privilege, for whom even play involved this kind of investment. The metal has a weight and presence that speaks to power, but also to the physical demands of wielding such an object, even at a young age. These gauntlets remind us that the value and significance of an object lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in the materials, making, and social context that have shaped it. They challenge traditional notions of art by highlighting the skill and labor involved in their creation.