Portions of an Armor for Vincenzo Luigi di Capua (d. 1627) 1570 - 1620

This is a portion of a suit of armor made for Vincenzo Luigi di Capua, a nobleman who died in 1627. Created between 1570 and 1620 by Italian artist Pompeo della Cesa, the breastplate and pauldrons are intricately decorated with an engraved pattern of foliage and animals. The armor is made of steel and was likely commissioned for both protection and display, reflecting Capua's high social status. The piece is currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.