Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian II spared no expense on his ceremonial armor set
Maximillian II was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1564 and ruled until he died in 1576. He was part of one of Europe’s most critical dynastic families, the Habsburgs. He was still only an Archduke at the time, but 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 was modeled according to the clothing style of the era, with lines that mimicked quilting or slashing at the shoulders. Although the suit would provide protection in battle, it was meant to be more of a status symbol.