Armor for Man and Horse 1548 - 1900

This imposing suit of armor, crafted by Kunz Lochner, speaks of power, protection, and the undeniable human impulse to shield ourselves. The cross motif emblazoned on the horse’s armor is not merely decorative. It evokes centuries of religious conflict and the Crusades, representing faith and the divine right to rule. The cross, however, is a symbol that transcends Christianity. From ancient Egyptian ankhs to pre-Christian sun wheels, the motif appears across cultures, embodying life, eternity, and cosmic order. Even in our modern age, one sees the cross in secular forms, adapted and re-contextualized, demonstrating a continuous thread of symbolic representation in the human psyche. The cool, metallic surface, devoid of human touch, reflects a desire for invincibility, but also perhaps, a fear of vulnerability. The armor serves as both a physical and psychological barrier, hinting at the complex interplay between outward display and inner emotional landscape. The echoes of ancient conflicts resonate within this cold shell, revealing a timeless dance between protection and the perils it seeks to ward off.