Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

In October 2019, Adam Savage stopped by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to tour the museum’s historic and fascinating new exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I. (It is open until Jan. 5, 2020.)

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Adam was shown through the exhibition by Pierre Terjanian, whose official title is Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Curator in Charge of the Department of Arms and Armor at The Met.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

This complete suit of field armor was commissioned by Maximilian I — who was Holy Roman Emperor from 1508 until his death in 1519 — in Germany.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The armor was meant in part to show his enemies that Maximilian I had “unlimited wealth.”

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The gold edge detail you see here was the fashion in the 15th century in some lands, but there isn’t a lot of armor that has survived to present day with it still.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Pierre has no doubt that Maximilian I wore this suit of armor in battle.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Adam had seen photos of this suit of armor before, but as he said, he had no idea it was so “tiny.” Maximilian I was quite svelte.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Over time, the helmet became separated from the rest of the armor. This exhibit is the first time in decades the two have been united.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Met found the paperwork behind this purchase. As Pierre told Adam, “You could buy a New York townhouse for the price of this armor.”

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The articulation in the legs is, as Pierre says, “exquisite.”

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

… as is the articulation in the gauntlets.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

According to Pierre, horse armor was often made of boiled leather, which is hard and thus “enough.” That’s what makes THIS armor so special.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

This horse armor was meant to be seen from afar. And, frankly, it is the first thing you see (and stare at) when you approach this exhibition.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Not only is the armor stunning, but so is this horse replica. Truly. It looks SO REAL up close.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

This suit of armor was actually “regifted’ to Henry VIII.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

In celebration of his second marriage,Maximilian I commissioned more than a dozen reliefs for the front of his residence.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Pierre speculates that these would have been much brighter — more white, with more highlights — at the time.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

This is one of suits of armor made for Maximilian I.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

This is actually a breastplate. It’s meant to hold a shield in front of the wearer.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

What’s interesting about these breastplates, as Pierre explained to Adam, is their many spring-loaded mechanisms. The mechanisms were meant to eject the shields they were holding in the air.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

In a tournament, if the shield would get struck, because of the mechanisms it would then fly off dramatically, adding theater to the event.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

If you are thinking Adam Savage wants to build one of these breastplates now, you’re correct.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

When Adam approached these gauntlets with Pierre, he was silent for a few seconds in awe. “These are … mind-blowing.” (And they are.)

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit: The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I is open until Jan. 5, 2020.

Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET

Photo Gallery: Photo Gallery: The Last Knight Exhibit at The MET