Arms and Armor in the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago's George F. Harding Collection of arms and armor is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum, as well as one of the greatest collections of arms and armor in North America. Now, for the first time, these renowned treasures are presented in this handsome volume celebrating the richness of a lost art. This book is a visual delight, with numerous examples of full and half armors, finely etched helmets, firearms with carved ivory stocks, back- and breastplates with gilded figures, and other exotic items all reproduced in full color. Additionally , paintings by such artists as Rembrandt and Ingres, along with drawings, woodcuts, and engravings, accompany these beautiful images to illustrate the many uses of arms and armor in medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Europe. Written by arms and armor specialist Walter J. Karcheski, Jr., the text delves into a world where feudalism and the institution of knighthood prevailed and where arms and armor played a crucial role. Karcheski traces the development and craftsmanship of these magnificent suits and weapons throughout the centuries and discusses the armor developed for use in battle as well as that made specifically for tournaments, hunting, and pageantry. Additionally, he explores the craftsmen's guilds and the production and decoration of armor.

Arts & Photography

Walter J. Karcheski Jr.

Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions

Bulfinch Press

Swarovski is proud to sponsor 'Imperial Austria: Treasures of Art, Arms and Armor from the State of Styria,' an exhibition that documents an important part of Austria's cultural, artistic, and technological history. The exhibition also reveals the high standards of craftsmanship and innovation demonstrated by Austrian artists of the 15th through the 17th centuries. Much of the armor in the exhibition was made in Tyrol, the home of Swarovski. When Daniel Swarovski founded the company in 1895, he sought to achieve superior technical and artistic standards. A belief in the value of innovation and artistic achievement has guided the company ever since that time. Styria has always been a border state...always a fortress but also a bridge. In centuries past, they had to repel attacks from the East. Styrians are known for their strong will to hold their own ground. They have acquired their endurance and persistence in difficult times, for often they had to depend on themselves. Daily 'small' wars, assaults, plundering, arson, and constant uncertainty have formed the land and the people. Still, in its best historic dimension, they have always kept strong ties with their neighbors, and in the sovereign state of 'Inner Austria,' with Graz as a capital, Romans, Slavs and Germanic peoples have lived together peacefully. Throughout its beautiful countryside, one can still find old castles, fortified cities, and chuches, and mighty fortresses. In the Graz, the old 'Zeughaus' Armory Museum contains the original arms and armor, protected by Styrians for centuries from dissolution and destruction.

Imperial Austria: Treasures of Art, Arms & Armor from the State of Styria

Peter Krenn

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Published to accompany an exhibition in Australia, this is an illustrated study and catalogue of the spectacular collection of Renaissance and Baroque arms and armour from the Landeszeughaus in Graz, Austria.

Imperial Austria: Treasures of Art, Arms, and Armour From the State of Styria

Katherine S. Howe

Jensen, Roy P Inc Remainders

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Books by Walter J. Karcheski Jr.