Armour worn at the funeral of Michiel de Ruyter? c. 1560 - 1625

Curator: This, intriguing specimen here at the Rijksmuseum is what many believe could be a piece of armour donned at the funeral of Michiel de Ruyter, though made earlier, dating approximately to the period of 1560-1625. The medium of execution is of course, metal. Editor: What strikes me most is its chilling presence. It’s so complete, like a metal echo of a man, frozen in a moment of solemnity...or perhaps anticipation. What do you suppose a craftsperson earned making this? It looks like such labour. Curator: Well, that depends on their guild rank, skill and so on, but undoubtedly these were valuable commodities made from valuable material. The crafting involved an intense understanding of metallurgy and societal status; its likely purpose being of aristocratic representation—deathly commemoration. This isn’t mere protection. This is power, solidified, if I can pun there, or presented for all to observe. Think about the forging, the hammering...it's so labor-intensive. Each piece had to fit perfectly. Editor: And imagine wearing it, the weight of the world pressing down, a constant, cold reminder of mortality. It gives a feeling of constraint, though admittedly one meant to project authority and prowess, it still speaks volumes about how one's public presentation masks true discomfort and difficulty. All the small circles throughout suggest to me how the labour could be parsed out, how piecework was so important and still undervalued in craft labor, I’d wager. Curator: Quite. Also consider the economy of image and reputation surrounding this metal body cast; armour became an almost mythical representation, signifying honour in service. But who precisely constructed this metal cocoon is unknown...which raises questions regarding artistic recognition versus societal function, and what labour is appreciated versus only consumed and presented in valorous narratives. Editor: It’s so quiet, this shiny suit. Considering this, I wonder, in wearing all that protection how much courage truly existed and how much was performed? In some strange way the maker has disappeared into it while paradoxically becoming memorialised by it. How fleeting our time is, how our human endeavors fade. Curator: Indeed. A somber, material reminder. Thank you. Editor: Agreed, my friend. Very intriguing, I might add!