Breastplate with Etched Bands of Trophies and Medallions

c. 1550–1600

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North Italy, 16th century

Medium

etched steel

Measurements

Overall: 46 x 34.7 x 15.9 cm (18 1/8 x 13 11/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Weight: 2.82 kg (6.22 lbs.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1654

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Location

210A Armor Court

Did You Know?

Etching is a technique where either the design or its ground is bitten into the metal surface with acid, the rest being protected by a protective wax or varnish.

Description

Shown here together is a burgonet, buffe, and breastplate all decorated with a technique known as etching. A burgonet is a light open helmet characterized by a peak, a fall over the eyes, and hinged earpieces. The face is protected by the addition of a buffe, a sperate detachable element worn with the open helmet that extends to the throat. It connects to the breastplate which protects the abdomen and is worn with a backplate.