Musket-Proof Half Armor of King Philip III (Media Armadura a Prueba de Mosquete del Rey Felipe III)

Jean (known in Spain as Juan) Laurent was one of the most recognized photographers of 19th-century Spain. He developed a thriving portrait business, documented Spanish public works projects, and produced an encyclopedic survey of Spanish and Portuguese architecture. In the mid-1860s, Laurent was permitted to photograph in the Royal Armory of Madrid, which housed rare personal arms and armor of monarchs from the 15th century onward. He released a catalogue detailing 187 different images from the collection, including this image of half-armor bearing the insignia of King Philip III. Set against a stark black background, the suit of armor seems to hover as if waiting for its wearer.