The Coloring Book of Armor

The Coloring Book of Armor showcases a remarkable selection of armor in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, giving artists of all ages the opportunity to explore a wide range of designs from a variety of countries.

Initially developed for an eminently practical purpose - to protect the wearer from injury - armor may take the form of body coverings or objects held in the hand. Any material that can serve as a hard shell or cushion was put to use; not just metal, but also bone, leather, and even silk. Armor also fulfilled other functions. When decorated with magical or religious symbols and texts, it could invoke the powerful assistance of outside forces, including gods. Should it fail to deflect harm, it would at least help to save one’s soul. When featuring the emblems of a community or a leader, it fostered a sense of belonging. When made of or decorated with precious metals, it denoted rank and resources. Popular motifs included flowers and leaves, birds, winged lions, and geometric patterns. Armor made for horses was effective at evoking the anatomy of mythical beasts such as dragons, thus instilling fear in the enemy.

There are more than 30 line drawings for coloring, including a dragon-shaped shaffron (horse’s head armor) used in tournaments by the future Henry II of France; the highly decorative suit of armor worn by George Clifford, a favorite of Elizabeth I of England; a 17th-century Japanese helmet in the shape of a sea conch; distinctive armor of chain mail and steel plate from the Indian kingdom of Sindh; and a 19th-century Native American shield of buffalo hide. Photographs of all pieces are provided, allowing you to follow the original coloring - or you may decide to create your own dazzling color schemes. The book also features a concise description of each item, highlighting its origin, materials, and function. This delightful introduction to an extraordinary art form will inspire you to learn more about armor and what it can tell us about our ancestors and different traditions and cultures around the world.

MARK HEARLD studied at Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. He is the illustrator of the children’s book A First Book of Nature (2012).

SIMON MARTIN is Head of Curatorial Services at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, West Sussex. A specialist in modern British art, he has recently contributed to an exhibition catalogue on Edward Burra.