The Backplate of a Suit of Parade Armor c. 1557

This intricate pen-and-ink drawing, created by Etienne Delaune in the mid-16th century, showcases a design for the backplate of a suit of parade armor. Delaune, renowned for his meticulous drawings, incorporated a wealth of decorative elements, including swirling foliage, grotesque figures, and a central motif of a winged figure perched atop a column. This drawing, a testament to the artist's skill and the grandeur of Renaissance armor design, would have served as a blueprint for an elaborate and highly ornamented suit, meant to be worn for ceremonial occasions.