Antonio Piccinino and his sons Lucio and Federico
“Arte dei Corazzai e Spadai”
Artisans of Armor and Swords

In the late 16th century the name of PICCININO again reach acclaim as the noted “Arte dei Corazzai e Spadai”, Artisans of Armor and Swords. They lived in the Lombardy region of Italy. ANTONIO PICCININO and his sons LUCIO and FEDERICO, were known for their splendid hilts and their ornamental reliefs on their armor. The need for armor at this time became less needed for battle, because of the use of gun powder. Today their works are displayed in many museums and collections around the world.

Piccinino as well as the Negroli workshops held the absolute monopoly on embossed armor. Many of the works are artsy but totally useless as armor and served only for ostentatious purpose: This helmet is part of the collection of: Museum für Deutsche Geschichte in Berlin, Germany. http://www.karlofgermany.com/master28.htm

In a letter to Archduke Ferdinand of Tirol in the year 1579, Duke Alessandro Farnese (1545–1592), military commander of the Spanish in the war against the Netherlands, mentioned a magnificent suit of armour that was to be found in Namur and that should be sent to his uncle in Ambras. Presumably he was referring to this ceremonial armour, which was made by the Milanese master Lucio Piccinino and for which some preparatory sketches still exist. The sculptural forms are deliberately plump and simple in order to provide room for an abundance of decoration. The chased work corresponds in its application to the ornamental bands on clothing of the time. Only upon careful inspection can the confusing abundance of allegorical figures be understood.
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