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Maximilian I's Armorers
Maximilian ordered considerable quantities of armor to stock his arsenals, outfit troops, equip himself for battle and tournaments, and distribute as gifts to strengthen his bonds with a wide variety of individuals, including officials, courtiers, relatives, and monarchs and their ambassadors.
Unlike most rulers, Maximilian had access to some of the finest armorers in Europe. His lands offered suitable raw materials, nearby courts that supported their activity, and commercial and financial networks that advanced the trade. The craftsmen in the German-speaking lands, Italy, Burgundy, and the Low Countries who fulfilled commissions for him all worked in different styles. Thanks to their specialized knowledge of metallurgy, superior forging skills, and the outstanding quality of the metal they worked, these masters wrought armor that looked magnificent and offered remarkable protection in combat.
Maximilian promoted the excellence of these armorers' work by managing the supply of key metals, weighing in on techniques and design, and taking the most ingenious masters into his service. As a result, the armor he secured was unique and coveted. While some armorers had successful careers in Maximilian's service, others did not fare as well and went unpaid for their work. |