Day 144 - Gauntlet

April 8, 2019

Gallery 376 is swords, swords, swords. Or, more precisely, it's about evolution. On display are rapiers (which, I learn, were the chief civilian sidearm of the 16th and 17th centuries, used in cut-and-thrust fencing and distinguished by their sharp, double-edged blades and  elaborate handguards), smallswords (lighter, trimmer swords that predominated in the 18th century), hunting swords, and the occasional dagger.  I learn, too, that by the end of the 18th century, pistols had replaced swords as the weapons of choice.  Armor evolved as well, and by the end of the 17th century, full coats of armor had largely been replaced by a single plate element, the gorget, which protected the upper chest, along with a leather doublet, which was much lighter than armor but also protective. 

Through all this, it's interesting to see these weapons, often highly ornamented in various styles, as status symbols. And I realize, more than ever, that a major function of art is to mark social status. 

Today's object isn't a sword but a gauntlet made in Germany in the late 16th century. Perhaps two feet long, it is fabricated of steel that was then engraved, silvered, and gilt, along with brass and leather. Two things intrigue me about this piece. First is the construction. The upper part is rigid and must have deflected and otherwise protected the arm against blows. In contrast. the part covering the wrist and hand appears to be highly articulated; I can't tell for sure, but the seven "pleated""sections at the bottom may well be hinged or slide over each other. If so, this would afford the wearer maximum flexibility in combat. 

The second fascinating element is the decoration. The gauntlet depicts King David, holding a banner in his right hand and a scepter in his left, seated on a proud, prancing horse. The placard explains that  David was one of Nine Worthies considerd to embody chivalric behavior. Three of the nine figures, says the placard, come from the Old Testament, three from classical antiquiy, and three from Medieval Europe. The challenge: Who are the other eight worthies?

First my guesses. From the Old Testament: David, Joshua, Moses. With regard to classical antiquity, I wonder: Are we talking real people or mythical ones?  But I'll guess: Hercules, Achilles, Aeneas.

From Medieval Europe: Constantine, Charlemagne, Richard the Lion-Hearted.

So now what the internet tells me: David, Joshua, Judas Maccabeus; Hector, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar (damn - should have done better here); Charlemagne, King Arthur, Godfrey de Bouillon. So, a mix of real people and story-book legends.