SARASOTA, Fla. – This February, The Ringling will present Knights, an exhibition showcasing stunning examples of European arms and armor from the renowned collection of the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy. Through more than 100 rare objects–including full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, helmets, swords and other weaponry–this exhibition tells the tale of the European knight from the medieval and Renaissance periods through the Medieval Revival of the 19th century. Knights enlightens visitors about the historical and functional contexts of arms and armor of this period, while also encouraging them to explore the undeniable beauty and artistic appeal of these works.
Knights will be on view Feb. 3-April 21, 2019, in the Searing Wing of the Museum of Art. The exhibition was organized by Contemporanea Progetti in collaboration with the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy.
“This fascinating exhibition explores many facets of late-medieval and Renaissance warfare and gives visitors a chance to examine choice examples of arms and armor up-close,” said Dr. Sarah Cartwright, the Ulla R. Searing curator of collections at The Ringling. “Audiences will come away with a deep appreciation of the variety and beauty of these functional objects, and the extraordinary level of artistry involved in producing them.”