Erzherzog Ferdinand II. (1529-1595), Kniestück in Adlerrüstung

The knee-length portrait shows Archduke Ferdinand II in the so-called ‘Eagle Garniture’, one of the most expensive ensembles of plate-armour made during that period. Ferdinand is depicted at the height of his regency in Bohemia. He wears his trademark ‘Bohemian hat’, a head-covering made of felt and silver wire. On the table beside him lie a mantled helmet with a red plume, a gauntlet and a red sash. These military accoutrements probably allude to Ferdinand’s military command in Hungary against the Ottoman army in 1556, where he was responsible for the organisation of supplies of food and munitions for the royal fortress of Szigetvár. When Archduke Ferdinand II was appointed regent of Bohemia in 1547, his exceptional position as supreme representative of the House of Austria demanded a display of magnificence at court. This also included operating an armoury, which produced not only military equipment but also suits of plate-armour and accoutrements for courtly tournaments. Armourers who worked for Ferdinand included the Nuremberg-born Wolf Keser (also Kheser), Melchior Pfeiffer and Wolfgang Kaiser. One Francesco Ligozzi (also Ligotza) is also mentioned as a ‘harnischmaister’ (master harnesser). The Court Armoury was kept very busy supplying equipment for the numerous tournaments that Ferdinand hosted, notably those in 1556, 1559 and 1560. New suits of armour were also made for the Hungarian campaign of 1556. The Prague harnesses are typified by their elegant lines, compact, rounded shape and high waist. Other remarkable features include the burgonets made in two pieces, a striking motif of scales on the gorgets with powerful corded edges and the lames (overlapping plates) of the pauldrons (shoulder-guards) divided into two sections.