Landsknechte: Foot Soldiers of Fashion

May 4 - November 4, 2016 - This new corridor installation examines the life, death, and sartorial swagger of the famously dissolute and fabulously attired Landsknechte of Renaissance Europe. These German mercenary foot soldiers behaved badly and wore whatever they wanted because their life expectancy was brief at best.

While much of the arms and armor collection is off view in preparation for the opening of expanded galleries of medieval and Renaissance art (opening March 17, 2017), this installation offers a taste, rather a brazen one, of the beloved collection. Featuring over 50 objects, this collaborative presentation with the Department of Prints and Drawings combines armors, breastplates, daggers, halberds, and even a newly acquired Katzbalger (Landsknecht sword), with works on paper depicting mercenaries in action. Bursting with attitude, humor, and innuendo, these artworks thrive on knowing looks, firmly grasped sword hilts, and prominent codpieces.