Title: Horse Armor of Duke Ulrich of Württemberg for use in the field
Year: 1507Material: [Armor] embossed, etched, and partially blued and gilded steel; tail plate replaced; brass; leather; [saddle] birch bark; steel; leather and textiles replaced
Creator: Wilhelm von Worms the Elder (armorer), German, active Nuremberg, master in 1499, died 1538; and anonymous Nuremberg graphic artist.
Collection: The Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Collection of Arms and Armor
This work is the most prominently displayed piece in The Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Collection of Arms and Armor at the Phildelphia Museum of Art. For the purposes of this examination, I will focus solely on the horse armor, as it was the only complete set of horse armor within the amory, wheras there were a number of suits displayed. The horse armor was made for Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, who served under the German king Maximilian. It is likely this armor was created for accompanying the king to Rome in 1508, but the king's trip never happened. He was known for his excessive spending on extravagances, as shown in detailed graphics on the armor (which would have been unnecessary for the field). It is not only important because of the history of its owner, but also because of its creator and its unique qualities. It is the earliest complete set outside of Europe and the only surviving horse armor created by Wilhelm von Worms, who was famous for his skilled craftsmanship. This rich history is my guess as to why it is displayed, in addition the the beautiful craftsmanship and etchings.
The armor was acquired through a gift of Athena and Nicholas Karabots and the Karabots Foundation in 2009. The gallery itself is five rooms (two smaller rooms on either side of the main room). The armor is displayed on the sculpture of a horse, placed on a small stage at the center back of the room, perfectly centered between two windows. The entire room has been decorated in such a way as to "set the scene". Other objects in the room include more suits of armor, spears, shields, stained glass, and even a faux crow perched in one of the "castle" windows.
This work is the most prominently displayed piece in The Kretzschmar von Kienbusch Collection of Arms and Armor at the Phildelphia Museum of Art. For the purposes of this examination, I will focus solely on the horse armor, as it was the only complete set of horse armor within the amory, wheras there were a number of suits displayed. The horse armor was made for Duke Ulrich of Württemberg, who served under the German king Maximilian. It is likely this armor was created for accompanying the king to Rome in 1508, but the king's trip never happened. He was known for his excessive spending on extravagances, as shown in detailed graphics on the armor (which would have been unnecessary for the field). It is not only important because of the history of its owner, but also because of its creator and its unique qualities. It is the earliest complete set outside of Europe and the only surviving horse armor created by Wilhelm von Worms, who was famous for his skilled craftsmanship. This rich history is my guess as to why it is displayed, in addition the the beautiful craftsmanship and etchings.
The armor was acquired through a gift of Athena and Nicholas Karabots and the Karabots Foundation in 2009. The gallery itself is five rooms (two smaller rooms on either side of the main room). The armor is displayed on the sculpture of a horse, placed on a small stage at the center back of the room, perfectly centered between two windows. The entire room has been decorated in such a way as to "set the scene". Other objects in the room include more suits of armor, spears, shields, stained glass, and even a faux crow perched in one of the "castle" windows.
The interpretation is written concisely in third person, and includes information not only on the armor but the armorer and the Duke. Despite the author's attempt to make the information appear impartial, however, their admiration of the work is apparent.
The study of European armor, German craftsmanship, or German history may all be useful subjects to focus on. As a fan of history in general, old trades, and reenactment (and an occasional reenactor myself) I was interested in studying practically anything in this gallery. Someone who does not enjoy studying the subject of arms or armaments may not be interested in the horse armor, much less the gallery as a whole. As the label did not at all describe the dislike many of the Duke's subjects have for him or his infamous history, someone familiar with this may have something to say about the unnecessary extravagance of the horse's armor. The presence of an interpreter may engage viewers with the subject, though this likely exists for tours already. I would be hesitant to add any sort of interactive or additional decor to the room, as it is very fitting already and the inclusion of technology would contradict the theme.
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