‘The Last Knight’ showcases over 180 objects from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, an early master of political propaganda—and whose armor fashionably showed his ruthlessness.

Portions of an Armor for the Joust of Peace of Maximilian I, German, Augsburg, ca. 1494. Jörg Helmschmid the Younger, German, died 1504. Steel, copper alloy, leather.

"The Last Knight," Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519). “Epic” has become a grand colloquialism for almost anything particularly impressive or outstanding.

Dressed in a full suit of armor, Maximilian (reigned 1486– 1519) stands among an array of helmets and weaponry. He holds a sword in one hand and a cannonball in the other, indicating both knightly ...

An exhibition explores themes important to Emperor Maximilian’s life and career, especially his love of armor as a craft and as a symbol of the knightly valor with which he wished to be identified.