Artwork Page for Breastplate

Details / Information for Breastplate

Breastplate

c. 1550

Germany, Nuremberg

Medium
steel with etched figure kneeling before Crucifixion
Measurements
Overall: 31.3 x 35 x 20 cm (12 5/16 x 13 3/4 x 7 7/8 in.)
Weight: 1.84 kg (4.06 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1647
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print
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Did You Know?

Engraving is one of the oldest techniques for decorating metal objects; here the artist used a sharp instrument to scratch the design into the surface.

Description

This breastplate, lacking its tassets, is nonetheless a fine example of the superb sculptural forms achieved by Renaissance armorers. Its contours and glancing surface illustrate the extremes sought by both armorers and patrons in order to deflect projectiles such as crossbow bolts and thrusting lances. Embellishment was an important aspect of fine armor. This breastplate bears a fine etched decoration of a kneeling knight, possibly the armor's owner, before the Crucifixion. This may have created a kind of personalized devotional image for use in combat.
A steel breastplate features a central ridge and corded edges, with metal buckles at each shoulder. Dark etched designs decorate the polished surface. On our left, a man in armor kneels beneath a sun with a face, facing our right. On our right, Christ hangs on a cross rising from stylized clouds, topped by an "INRI" scroll. These intricate details contrast against the smooth metal, depicting a solemn scene of devotion.

Breastplate

c. 1550

Germany, Nuremberg

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