Workshop of Michel Witz, the Younger

Three-Quarter Field Armor of Anime Construction

c. 1560
Steel 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

This armor is complete with a breast and backplate called an anime that is entirely composed of overlapping segments (lames) held together by rivets and internal leather bands. During the mid-16th century a new form of lightly armored horseman developed, armed with pistols rather than the traditional lance. These cavalrymen often favored this segmented design as it offered more flexibility across the chest to ride comfortably and reload their weapons. An open-faced helmet also helped aiming. The spiked bar defense protected against sword cuts across the face.

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