Pieces of decorated armour
by Benvenuto CELLINI

Cellini's supreme skill in chasing is demonstrated by the ceremonial morion and shield embellished with decorative scenes, which were executed for Cosimo I de' Medici. It is not known whether or not Cellini executed other pieces of decorated armour, but the documents in his Florentine workshop make frequent reference to supply of cold steel arms.

Preview Picture Data File Info Comment
Morion for Francesco I de' Medici
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron, height 37 cm
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

1000*1239
True Color
127 Kb



Morion for Francesco I de' Medici
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron, height 37 cm
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

1000*1235
True Color
131 Kb



Shield for Francesco I de' Medici
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron, height 76 cm
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

1003*1200
True Color
168 Kb



Shield for Francesco I de' Medici (detail)
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

800*1093
True Color
216 Kb



Shield for Francesco I de' Medici (detail)
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

800*1168
True Color
224 Kb



Shield for Francesco I de' Medici (detail)
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

850*1140
True Color
221 Kb



Shield for Francesco I de' Medici (detail)
c. 1570
Chased and silver-plated iron
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden

850*1146
True Color
213 Kb



Shield
c. 1572
Embossed, chased, and gold-plated iron, 68 x 49 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

860*1244
True Color
184 Kb



Helmet
c. 1570
Repoussé steel, plated with gold and enameled, 68 x 49 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

1011*1257
True Color
162 Kb



Gunpowder case
c. 1570
Silver
Royal Armouries, London

1275*1200
True Color
187 Kb




Summary of works by Benvenuto Cellini
Perseus | other bronze statues
salt cellar | medals and coins
sculptures in marble
decorated armour | graphics