The Nonexistent Knight – The Armour Collection of Ferdinand Von Hapsburg

About the Ferdinand Von Hapsburg Collection

Starting in 1577, the Tyrolese Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg, later Holy Roman Emperor, amassed a diverse collection of art and wonders at his Ambras Castle, near Innsbruck, which astounded his contemporaries. His primary focus was on the armory, where he collected the armor owned by all the famous personalities of both of his own era and previous centuries—from princes to military commanders.

Ferdinand was a wealthy, highly educated, and artistically minded prince who embraced liberal values. He collected armor and weaponry that belonged to famous personalities, from princes to military commanders, showcasing a surprisingly modern approach that remains impressive even by today’s standards.

Roberto Bigano, the photographer, shares his story.

All the pictures of this article were taken by Roberto Bigano, a renowned Italian photographer

In 1991, Franco Maria Ricci, one of the finest and most refined Italian publishers, asked me to photograph the stunning Armors collection of the Archduke of Tyrol Ferdinand of Habsburg, housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. These images were intended to illustrate a book based on a novel by the renowned Italian writer Italo Calvino. “Il Cavaliere Inesistente” (The Nonexistent Knight) is perhaps Calvino’s finest narrative masterpiece, and it is unique in that it conveys a story where clothes don’t merely define the man; they become the man.
The publisher’s brief was unequivocal. Mr. Bigano, bring me powerful pictures of ghosts emerging from the shadows.

At the time, I lightened my pictures using Arri Fresnel Spotlights, which gave a beautiful and controllable light. However, I can use them only in a dark ambient. Assuming that they shouldn’t close the rooms to visitors in the museum, I opted for flashlights instead.
What a mistake! Thanks also to the publisher’s reputation, the museum director, Mr. Beaufort-Spontin, gave me all the possible assistance, even closing the rooms for visitors.

The “Hercules” decorated armor of Maximilian II.

We proudly showcase a sequence of one of the finest examples of Ceremonial Armor.
During the second half of the 16th century, the humble armor, comprising a helmet and a round shield, underwent a remarkable evolution, particularly in the realm of ceremonial armor.

These new, highly decorated armors were carved with subjects from the Bible and Greco-Roman mythology, allegories, and mythical creatures.
Coats of Arms and the valorous deeds of the knight were instrumental in establishing Maximilian’s identity, aligning him with the Greek demigod.

This ‘Hercules’ ceremonial armor, a rare and precious artifact, stands as one of the few completely embossed pieces that have survived the test of time.
Etienne Delaune, a French court artist, was the engraver and draughtsman. The Antwerp goldsmith Eliseus Libaerts executed Delaune’s designs.