Waist Lame 1530 - 1585

This is a waist lame made by Wolfgang Grosschedel in the 16th century, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Notice how the dark metal surface is intricately decorated with contrasting silver accents, creating an immediate tension between functionality and ornamentation. The waist lame's design incorporates a series of floral motifs, meticulously arranged along its edges. The repetitive use of stylized leaf patterns introduces a rhythmic visual structure, guiding the eye along the form of the armor. Dots and circles are distributed across the expanse and invite further inspection of the lame’s surface. Grosschedel integrates decorative elements in a way that enhances the object's aesthetic without compromising its structural integrity. The piece exists as both a functional object and a sophisticated work of art. By uniting these elements, Grosschedel challenges the traditional boundaries between the practical and the ornamental.