Pompeo della Chiesa

Pompeo della Cesa or Pompeo della Chiesa (Milan, circa 1537 - March 21, 1610) was a prominent Italian armorer. Also known as an armor maker or manufacturer of cuirasses, he specialized in creating armor and garnitures, interchangeable sets that could transform a "foot armor" into "horse armor" or "jousting armor" by replacing or adding pieces. Among his clients were Italian and European courts, such as the Farnese of Parma and Piacenza and the House of Savoy, earning great renown and fortune. His decorative style evolved from bands engraved with phytomorphic and grotesque motifs to complete decoration in mail, reflecting fashion trends between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His work endures in prominent collections, such as the Royal Armory of Turin, which houses parts of an armor belonging to Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, and the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan, with a barrier helmet belonging to Duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga.