Legendry knights and noblemen fought for chivalry, the hand of the fair lady or to free enslaved peasants, well, at least that’s Hollywood’s version.

In reality, it was more likely for land, power, and riches.

An exhibit at the Folgers Shakespeare Library, Now Thrive the Armorers: Arms and Armor in Shakespeare, brings a wonderful collection of armor and arms dating from the Middle Ages to a full suit of armor once owned by the Earl of Pembroke, many form the time of Shakespeare.

As the Renaissance evolved, and gunpowder, musket arms and modern armies replaced the noble knight in shining armor on the battlefield, armor and personal battle protection was forced to be shed, along with many of the traditional values of the aristocratic and chivalric knight.

Shakespeare used the theme of war and battle, knights and nobles in many of his plays, and this collection features 40 selections from the Higgins Armory Museum, including both functional and ornamental pieces including a suit of field armor, as well as a long sword and gauntlet. Also on display is another 34 manuscripts, manuals, and books on war and tactics, as well as other works of art.

Folgers Shakespeare Library – Great Hall
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003  (map it)

Dates and Times – through September 9, 2008, Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  (Closed Labor Day)

Admission - Free

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Capitol South – Orange and Blue lines, then a 4-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking – Metered street, and paid garage parking is available in the area.

Images

• Field armor – Three-quarter field armor, Northern Italy, 1560-1570. Higgins Armory Museum.
• Prince Philip gauntlet – Fingered gauntlet of Prince Philip of Spain (1527-1598),  Higgins Armory Museum.
• Manuale Militare – Johann von Wallhausen.  Manuale militare.  Frankfurt, 1616. Folger Shakespeare Library.

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Post from: The DC Traveler