Worcester Art Museum

Workshop of Jan Brueghel the Elder, "Venus at the Forge of Vulcan," 1606–1623, oil on oak panel, The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.101

How Was Armor Made?

With the slides and the video about this pollaxe, think about the form and function of this weapon.

The Pollaxe

German, after Albrecht Dürer, Knight, Death and the Devil, 1500s, engraving on cream laid paper, Gift of Robert F. Johnson, 1994.300

The Development of Medieval Armor Over Time Part 1

We can learn from looking at arms and armor objects from the past. There are a limited number of full sets of armor left from the past. Look at the slides of these armor pieces and watch the video about the Teuffenbach Field Armor (Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.80). The video and slides show that the Teuffenbach Field Armor is a unique artifact of the past. 

The Armor Left Behind

French, Ceremonial Half-Armor with "Repoussé" Decoration, about 1580-1610, steel with traces of gilding, leather, The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.70

The Development of Armor Over Time Part 2

The knight in shining armor conjures hundreds of images. While the Middle Ages lasted roughly one thousand years (500-1500 CE), the steel plate armor associated with the knight was only in use from 1350 CE onwards. Why did knights change from using mail armor to plate armor? How did the armors work?  Learn about the development of armor and its usefulness during a time of changing battle techniques.

The Development of Medieval Armor Over Time

World History

Social Studies

Reading: History/Social Studies

English Language Arts

Closer Looking - Form and Function of a Pollaxe

video - Pollaxes

The pollaxe was designed for knights fighting on foot. The stout thrusting tip could pierce through the gaps in an opponent’s armor, without being broken off between the sturdy steel plates. The stout axeblade delivered a powerful blow that could damage armor and cleave bone. 

The cleated hammerhead was designed to gain a purchase on the surface of armor, which was always designed with rounded shapes that made it harder to get a solid hit. Yet this deadly weapon is also decorated with the elongated and cusped tracery of Gothic art, echoing the look of medieval cathedrals.

We will watch the video about this pollaxe. Why do you think so much time was spent on the artistic design of this weapon?

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

The Development of Medieval Armor Over Time

The Pollaxe

Background Knowledge

Pollaxe