An introduction to European armour in the Royal Collection

Fashion and Accessories
Armour frequently followed fashions in contemporary dress. Its shape might reflect civilian silhouettes – the volume of the tassets (leg coverings), for example, often imitated fluctuations in trunk hose. A variety of metalworking techniques were also used on the surface of armour to mimic the slashing, pleating or puffing of fabric.
Mottoes, monograms, and motifs engraved on armour allowed more personal expressions of identity and status. For royal owners, these included crowns, coronets and fleurs-de-lis, as well as classical and Biblical scenes with personal significance.
Paintings and drawings today provide important evidence of armour's original wear, and particularly of accessories like coloured linings, leather straps, sashes, and feathers which rarely survive.
Erasmus Kyrkenar (c.1495-1567)
Sabatons from the armour garniture of Henry VIII for the field and tilt (RCIN 72834.l and m)
South Germany
Composite 'Almain' corselet
Adriaen Hanneman (1604-71)
William III (1650-1702) when Prince of Orange
Willem Wissing (1656-87)