Belgium (Antwerp)

Blackened and Gilt Parade Armor of Johann Georg I by Eliseus Libaerts

2683

Originally crafted between 1563 and 1564 AD by Flemish goldsmith Eliseus Libaerts of Antwerp for King Erik XIV of Sweden, later acquired in 1603 AD by Christian II for his brother Johann Georg I, representing the height of Northern Renaissance Mannerist metalcraft.

Originally commissioned as an ultimate symbol of royal majesty and diplomatic ambition for Swedish royalty, it was later transformed into war booty by the Danes, purchased as a princely gift, and utilized by Elector Johann Georg I as a high-status dynastic portrait panoply and display masterpiece.