This publication looks at the high art of ironworking based on suits of armor and armaments from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. The focus in particular is on the suit of armor as second skin, a theme where armor meets the evening gown – protection and decoration in one, opaque eye-catchers, body versus ornament are catchwords the authors explore.
In the circle surrounding amateur locksmith Jean Tinguely, the grandiose craftsmanship of the armorer unfolds, up to and including the »hinge« that forms the common lynchpin: making iron mobile. Contemporary gowns and »war wear« by Jean Tinguely, Daniel Spoerri and Bernhard Luginbühl flank over 50 suits of armor from the Graz arsenal, the largest preserved armory still standing in its original location. The armor is accompanied by gowns designed by Italian couturier Roberto Capucci.

Editor: Museum Tinguely Basel
Authors: Andreas Beyer, Andres Pardey, Guido Magnaguagno, Johannes Ramharter

Hardcover
19,5 x 27,5 cm
280 pages
200 color ills.
German
available
ISBN 978-3-86828-051-7
28 Euro
2009