Cleveland Museum of Art

Black and White Elbow Gauntlet for the Right Hand

Date

c.1570

Medium

steel, blackened with leather

Culture

North Germany, 16th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Plate armor alternately decorated with brightly polished ("white") and darkened ("black") surface areas is commonly referred to as "black and white" armor. The black color results from painting the surface areas, or merely leaving them dark from the forging process. The gauntlet here has been further embellished with an embossed cuff. The 1500s saw the revival of this ancient technique also known as repoussé. First the pattern is drawn onto the surface and then hammered and punched from the inside to gradually shape the desired raised design on the outer surface of the metal. This technique was reserved for only the costliest of armors. To throw a gauntlet or armored glove at the feet of your enemy or opponent was a grave insult, one only to be matched with personal combat. This is where we get the modern phrase "throw down the gauntlet."

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