● On view now — Gallery 239
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
In rapier combat, various techniques called for left-handed daggers, shields, or bucklers to parry (ward off) or bind an opponent’s blade. Another such device that became popular among fencing masters and duelists was the fencing gauntlet. Unlike gauntlets used in field armor, fencing gauntlets featured palms that were covered in fine mail, a mesh of steel rings that permitted the wearer to push aside or grab his attacker’s sword blade. Dents and cuts on the cuff of this example indicate that it was indeed used.
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Northern Italian — Fingered Gauntlet for the Left Hand
German, possibly Brunswick — Boy's Fingered Gauntlet for the
Southern German, probably Augsburg — Fingered Gauntlet for t
Southern German, Nuremberg — Fingered Gauntlet for the Right
Southern German, Nuremberg — Fingered Gauntlet for the Left
Flemish — Fingered Gauntlet for the Right Hand
German or Austrian, possibly Innsbruck — Fingered Gauntlet f
Wolfgang Grosschedel — Fingered Gauntlet for the Left Hand
Flemish — Pair of Fingered Gauntlets
Southern German, probably Nuremberg — Mitten Gauntlet for th
Southern German, Augsburg — Mitten Gauntlet for the Right Ha
Southern German, Nuremberg — Fingered Gauntlet for the Right