The Backplate of a Suit of Parade Armor c. 1557

Curator: This etching is called "The Backplate of a Suit of Parade Armor," dating back to around 1557. The artist who rendered it is Etienne Delaune, known for his delicate handling of form. Editor: My first impression is how ornate it is. Every inch is filled with figures and scrolling foliage, almost like looking at a garden trellis crafted from steel. Curator: Indeed. It reflects the Mannerist style's emphasis on complexity and artifice. We can see clear references to history-painting throughout its composition. How do you interpret the use of ornament here, from a material perspective? Editor: The level of detail speaks to the patron’s desire for display, really a visual performance of wealth and power. But, if we examine the labor and technique required to bring something like this into reality it presents a paradox of purpose: it looks ready for the field but is impractical for combat. Curator: And yet, such armor played a key role in ceremonial functions. The elaborate designs proclaimed the wearer’s status. Think of this armor less as protection, and more as a symbolic statement. Editor: Exactly. The symbolic labour that went into producing such armour—and I would also be curious how much apprentice labour was involved! I'd wager quite a bit. Curator: Delaune was a master at translating designs into prints that could then be transferred onto metal surfaces. What is interesting to note is how Delaune disseminated court culture through engravings. This piece underscores art's function in shaping historical memory and visualising ideals of authority. Editor: Agreed. And even though it’s a two-dimensional etching, the original material, armour, is deeply bound up in class. The design speaks to an industry and a supply chain: this object speaks to consumption and social strata. Curator: Delaune offers a glimpse into a world where power was worn, and history was both fashioned and displayed. Editor: Absolutely. It’s fascinating to think about all the material layers beneath this single sheet of paper.