15de-eeuws harnas met hakbijl en helm uit het leger van Karel VII van Frankrijk, uit de collectie van het Musée d'Artillerie in Parijs before 1882

This 15th-century armor, complete with a battle-axe and helmet, comes from the army of Charles VII of France. It's a potent reminder of medieval warfare. Crafted by anonymous artisans, the armor reveals much about the labor and skill involved in its making. The process begins with iron ore, smelted and forged into plates. These are then meticulously shaped and joined, demonstrating the blacksmith's mastery. The helmet, a complex arrangement of plates and rivets, highlights the delicate balance between protection and visibility. Chainmail protects the more vulnerable joints, each link forged and interlocked by hand. The cultural significance of this armor lies in its reflection of the class-based system of medieval society. Armor was expensive, beyond the reach of common soldiers. It signifies status and power, while also representing the huge amount of human effort involved in its creation. Considering the materials, processes, and social context is critical in understanding the full meaning of the armor. It challenges distinctions between fine art and craft.