This intricately wrought armor belonged to Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian II
Maximillian II was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1564 and ruled until his death in 1576. He was a member of one of Europe’s most important dynastic families, the Habsburgs. This armor was made between 1555 and 1560, and although Maximillian was still only an Archduke at the time, he made sure he would have a battle suit fit for an Emperor.
The outfit was meant to represent the Habsburg’s absolute claim to power, and it is modeled according to the clothing style of the era, with lines that mimicked quilting or slashing at the shoulders. It is covered in mythological scenes and they all have special symbolism. Although the suit would provide protection in battle, it was meant to be more of a status symbol.