9de-eeuws harnas voor een ruiter uit het leger van Karel de Grote, uit de collectie van het Musée d'Artillerie in Parijs before 1882

This photograph depicts 9th-century armour for a rider in Charlemagne's army, originating from the Musée d'Artillerie in Paris. Consider the labour involved in creating such armour. Each metal plate was likely hammered into shape by a skilled armourer, a specialist craftsman who knew the properties of the material intimately. The texture and weight of the metal would have provided both protection and a heavy burden for the wearer. This armour reflects not just military technology, but also the complex social structures that supported it. Skilled traditions and metalworking knowledge, passed down through generations, were essential to producing such objects. These traditions were closely tied to wider social issues of labour, politics, and consumption, highlighting the significant amount of work involved in the production process. The image invites us to consider the relationship between artwork and modes of production, revealing how issues of labour and class are embedded in the artwork. By understanding the materials, making, and historical context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the full meaning of this photograph, challenging conventional divisions between fine art and craft.