Italian

Parrying Gauntlet

1550/1575
Steel, iron, linen textile, and leather

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● On view now — Gallery 239

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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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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