This armour of Archduke Albrecht, governor of the Netherlands between 1598 and 1621, is an exceptionally refined work of art. By combining, adding, or omitting certain pieces, it could be adapted to the specific demands of a foot tournament, a duel, or a joust on horseback.
Its decoration features flowers, military motifs, fantastical creatures, and ornaments composed of the intertwined letters ‘I’ and ‘S’. These may allude to Archduchess Isabella. Several portraits show the archduke wearing this armour, a sign that it held more than just symbolic value for him.
Originally preserved in the Coudenberg Palace, together with other arms and armour belonging to its illustrious residents, the collection suffered greatly over time. In 1796, most of it was carried off by the Austrians retreating after their defeat at Fleurus. This magnificent parade armour of Archduke Albrecht is among the few pieces returned to Belgium by Austria after the First World War.