A Knight’s Tale: Ronald Lauder’s Arms and Armor

A Knight’s Tale: Ronald Lauder’s Arms and Armor
Cropped image of Field Armor, possibly made for Heinrich V, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1550, Steel and leather, Collection of Ronald S. Lauder, promised gift to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Hulya Kolabas
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Long before the “Night at the Museum” movie franchise, The Metropolitan Museum of Art made a dynamic Hollywoodesque “knight at the museum” film entitled “A Visit to the Armor Galleries.” It was released in 1924 as part of a program to make their spectacular arms and armor collection come alive for the public’s education. Enchanting scenes include a suit of medieval armor leaving its glass case to answer visitors’ questions, a knight in full armor on horseback galloping through Central Park with the Belvedere Castle folly in the background, and curators attiring themselves, from helmet to sabaton, for a swordfight and joust. There is record of the Hollywood actor Douglas Fairbanks Sr., famous for silent swashbuckler films, being impressed by the film.

Lauder’s Collection

Arms and Armor Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. (Diego Grandi/Shutterstock)
Arms and Armor Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Diego Grandi/Shutterstock
Michelle Plastrik
Michelle Plastrik
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Michelle Plastrik is an art adviser living in New York City. She writes on a range of topics, including art history, the art market, museums, art fairs, and special exhibitions.
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