As I searched for inspiration for my next drawing (Allegory of Chaos), I wasn’t exactly sure what I was aiming for, but one thing was clear—I wanted to explore the intricate details of armures (armors). My mind wandered back to a memory from 2002, when I first visited the Louvre in Paris.
Having just arrived from South America, the experience was nothing short of transformative. Standing before the museum’s vast collection, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to step into the shoes of someone dressed in such elaborate armor, preparing for battle. The thought made me smile, and in that moment, I began to truly appreciate the culture I was just starting to get acquainted with.
The images below feature two examples of armures. While I’m not entirely certain which countries they originate from, I vividly remember being drawn to the armors crafted between the 1400s and 1600s by Italy, France, and Germany. The level of detail in these pieces is nothing short of extraordinary—every curve and engraving speaks volumes about the craftsmanship of the time. It’s a world that continues to fascinate me, and I can’t help but be inspired by it as I dive into my own creative process.