Álvaro da Costa
D. Álvaro da Costa | |
|---|---|
Detail of a figure in Garcia Fernandes's 1541 Wedding of Saint Alexis, identified on the hem of his robes as "D. ALVARO DA COSTA PRIM.RO P.DOR DESTA CASA". | |
| Chief Armourer of Portugal | |
| In office c. 1508 – 27 January 1522 | |
| Monarch | Manuel I |
| Preceded by | Agostinho Caldeira |
| Succeeded by | Duarte da Costa |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1470 São Vicente da Beira, Castelo Branco, Portugal |
| Died | August 1540 Évora, Portugal |
| Spouse |
Beatriz de Paiva (died 1539) |
D. Álvaro da Costa (c. 1470–1540) was a Portuguese fidalgo, diplomat and close advisor to King Manuel I.
He is particularly well-remembered today for having filled the important court position of Chief Armourer of Portugal: the 1509 Livro do Armeiro-Mor (Book of the Chief Armourer), the most important Portuguese roll of arms in existence, is thus known for having been kept by Álvaro da Costa and his descendants. Also associated with him is the Da Costa Book of Hours, 1515, now in the Morgan Library and Museum in New York.