Man in Armour c. 17th century

Antonio Puga painted this "Man in Armour" sometime in the first half of the 17th century. It hangs here at the Art Institute of Chicago. While we do not know the exact year, the work speaks to the cultural role of portraiture in Spain during this period. It shows us that the sitter was a man of status. We can see that he is wearing armour, but is the armour being worn for battle or is it a signifier of wealth, power, and nobility? This is an important distinction for the social historian. Was the man a nobleman, soldier, or statesman? Looking at the portrait as a socio-historical object invites us to analyze the visual codes and cultural references, enriching our understanding of its meaning within the context of its creation. To understand this painting, we would need to find other documentary traces that illuminate this period in Spanish history. We might look at fashion plates, military records, or noble family trees. These resources can help us better understand the social hierarchies of 17th century Spain.