Italian Half Armor, 1600-1610 steel (formerly blued) with gilding, modern leather, and fabric Museum Purchase 230:1923a-g This armor retains its original gilding: a decorative layer of gold applied to a metal surface that here outlines a crescent pattern. The deep-brown crescents were probably once shiny blue. Armor could be colored to shades of blue-black, turquoise blue, or reddish brown. The embellishments mimicked men’s clothing made from silk and gold-wrapped threads. In its original coloration, this half armor for mock combats fought on foot would have dazzled opponents and spectators alike. It was likely made for a member of the powerful Strozzi family of Florence, whose coat of arms features three silver crescent moons.