Armor for Man and Horse (Field Armor of Galiot de Genouilhac)
Decorative art, harness/armor for man and horse • Attributed to the Royal Workshop at Greenwich, England, or possibly a French workshop influenced by Italian (Milanese) or German decorators.
Style & Movement
High Renaissance / Mannerist decorative arts
Medium & Technique
Steel, gold, leather, and fabric; techniques include etching, gilding (mercury gilding), and embossing with heat-blued accents.
Creation Period
Dated 1527
Dimensions & Format
Life-size equestrian monument format; approx. 95 x 40 x 90 inches overall mounted.
Subject Description
A complete suit of field armor for a knight and his horse. The man's armor features a close helmet and articulated plates, while the horse (bard) includes a chanfron, crinet, peytrel, and flanchards. The surface is densely etched with scrolling foliage, classical motifs, and putti.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent/Museum Grade; exceptionally well-preserved etched surfaces and gilding remains visible.
Estimated Market Value
$20,000,000 - $40,000,000 (Based on historical significance and rarity of complete equestrian sets)
Auction Estimate
$15,000,000 - $25,000,000
Provenance History
Commissioned by Galiot de Genouilhac (Grand Master of Artillery for Francis I); later in the collection of the Duc d'Uzès; acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1917.
Art Historical Significance
One of the most important and complete surviving equestrian armors in the world. It marks a peak in technical sophistication where armor functioned as both protection and a mobile masterpiece of Renaissance goldsmith-style decoration.
Notable Features
The matching decorative scheme across both man and horse armor; the inclusion of small dates (1527) within the etching; the 'Genouilhac' family provenance.
Condition Issues
Minor surface oxidation, stabilized light pitting in small areas, replacement leather straps and modern textile under-padding for display purposes.
Conservation Recommendations
Strict climate control (RH below 40%), low-UV lighting, and periodic application of microcrystalline wax to prevent oxidation.