This was originally a comissioned piece. the client wanted a woman in armour, a warrior who had been in battle and who looked like she had been fighting. He provided photos of the particular woman he wanted painted and suits of armour. I had to create an image that brought to life his vision - I created the sky darkened with smoke from fires on the horizon, the blood spattered armour and sword, the warrior woman tired but victorious. He was very pleased with the result. Armour of the type worn in this painting had developed in the 14th century, Although the Romans and the Greeks had worn armour it had fallen into misuse and it was not until the 13th century that single pieces of armour began to be worn again. Over the next century this was deveoped into larger pieces, worn over chainmail and began to be called plate armour and in the late 14th and 15th centuries full suits were developed and began to be worn. A well made suit of steel armour could weigh as little as 20kg and a man (or woman) could easily run and jump in it - necessary in battle. It also did not interfere with mounting a horse. Full suits were usually made for and tailored to individuals and as such were very expensive. Your average soldier had cheaper armour , usually just a helmet and a breastplate. While It offered excellent protection from sword, pike and spear, blunt weopons like hammers could cause serious concussive damage, crushing bones and causing internal bleeding.