This armour of Archduke Albrecht, governor of the Netherlands between 1598 and 1621, is a highly refined work of art. By combining, adding or omitting certain pieces, the equipment was adapted to the specific requirements of the pedestrian tournament, duel or tournament on horseback.
The decorative motifs include flowers, military elements, strange creatures and ornaments composed of the intertwined letters ‘I’ and ‘S’. These letters could refer to Archduchess Isabella. Several portraits are known to show the archduke in this armour, suggesting that he valued this armour more than just symbolically.
Originally, the ensemble was kept in the Coudenberg Palace, along with other arms and armour of its prestigious residents. Over the centuries, however, that collection was not spared the vagaries of history. Most of it was taken in 1796 by the fleeing Austrians after their defeat at Fleurus. This highly refined parade armour of Archduke Albrecht is one of the few pieces returned to our country by Austria after the First World War.