Cod Piece Collection

Portrait of the Zurich Standard-Bearer Jacob Schwytzer, 1564 (oil on wood)
3588555 Portrait of the Zurich Standard-Bearer Jacob Schwytzer, 1564 (oil on wood) by Stimmer, Tobias (1539-84); 193 x 66 cm; Kunstmuseum, Basel

Prince Hercule-Francois, Duc d Alencon, 1572 (oil on canvas)
3428141 Prince Hercule-Francois, Duc d Alencon, 1572 (oil on canvas) by French School, (16th century); 188.6x102.2 cm; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, USA; (add.info.: Francis)

The Marriage of the Virgin, detail of four men in conversation
PWI89726 The Marriage of the Virgin, detail of four men in conversation, 1500-04 (oil on canvas) (detail of 53750) by Perugino, Pietro (c.1445-1523); Musee des Beaux-Arts, Caen

Portrait of Charles Howard (1536-1624) 2nd Baron of Effingham
STC146122 Portrait of Charles Howard (1536-1624) 2nd Baron of Effingham and 1st Earl of Nottingham from Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth

Henry VIII Engraving
KING HENRY VIII

Invitation to the Dance, 1570 (fresco)
XIR20000 Invitation to the Dance, 1570 (fresco) by Fasolo, Giovanni Antonio (c.1530-72); Villa Caldogno-Nordera, Caldogna, Italy; Italian, out of copyright

Invitation to the Dance, detail of the central group, 1570 (fresco) (detail of 20000)
XIR182626 Invitation to the Dance, detail of the central group, 1570 (fresco) (detail of 20000) by Fasolo, Giovanni Antonio (c.1530-72); Villa Caldogno-Nordera, Caldogna, Italy; Italian

The Banquet, detail of figures at table, 1570 (fresco)
XIR103486 The Banquet, detail of figures at table, 1570 (fresco) by Fasolo, Giovanni Antonio (c.1530-72); Villa Caldogno-Nordera, Caldogna, Italy; Italian, out of copyright

Englishman 1495
His long-sleeved sur-coat, belted at the waist, hangs open to reveal his waistcoat or stomacher, codpiece and hose Date: circa 1495

Costume / Courtly 1530
An aristocrat, probably Spanish, in courtly dress

Carl V / Hre / Titian / Selma
CARL V / KARL V Holy Roman Emperor, also King of Spain as Charles I, seen here with his dog

German Couple 1475
A fashionable couple from Lower Germany : her finger points to her swelling belly - Now look what you ve done, she says, you and your codpiece and pointed shoes !

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Caption: Exploring the Intriguing Cod Piece in Renaissance Art Delve into the fascinating world of Renaissance art as we unravel the enigmatic presence of the cod piece. From oil paintings to frescoes, this captivating accessory found its way into various masterpieces, leaving us with intriguing hints about its significance. In "Portrait of the Zurich Standard-Bearer Jacob Schwytzer, " painted in 1564, a prominent cod piece adorns his attire, symbolizing masculinity and power. Similarly, Prince Hercule-Francois, Duc d'Alencon's regal portrait from 1572 showcases an elaborate cod piece that reflects his noble status. Even religious scenes were not exempt from this fashion statement. In "The Marriage of the Virgin, " four men engaged in conversation are depicted wearing intricately designed cod pieces, highlighting their social standing amidst sacred surroundings. Moving across borders to England, we encounter Charles Howard (1536-1624), 2nd Baron of Effingham. His portrait reveals a more modest yet still present cod piece—a testament to how this trend transcended geographical boundaries during that era. Henry VIII himself embraced this fashion trend wholeheartedly; an engraving immortalizes him sporting a grandiose cod piece that accentuates his royal authority and virility. Frescoes also captured these sartorial choices vividly. In "Invitation to the Dance" (1570), both central groups and detailed close-ups display individuals adorned with extravagant cod pieces—evidence of their desire for attention on festive occasions. "The Banquet" fresco further exemplifies how even at dining tables, figures proudly displayed their fashionable appendages—a reflection of societal norms and personal style preferences prevalent during that time. Beyond portraits and frescoes lie depictions of everyday life. An Englishman from 1495 is portrayed wearing a simple yet noticeable cod piece—an indication that it was not solely reserved for nobility but also embraced by the common man.