Artwork Page for Gothic Breastplate

Details / Information for Gothic Breastplate

Gothic Breastplate

late 1400s

South Germany or Austria, Innsbruck, late 15th century

Medium
steel
Measurements
Overall: 53.2 x 35.2 x 16.3 cm (20 15/16 x 13 7/8 x 6 7/16 in.)
Weight: 4.68 kg (10.32 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1720
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print
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Did You Know?

As a result of the introduction of plate armor, the shield became superfluous and gradually disappeared from use.

Description

This elegantly constructed breastplate consists of two primary plates of steel fastened at center by a rivet. The lower plate is embellished with a border of embossed flutes that converge upward and terminate in a fleur-de-lys. The pair of rivet holes in the upper right breast accommodated a lance rest, now lost.
A steel breastplate, contoured for a torso, features a vertical central ridge topped by a three-petaled flower. From this point, four curved grooves radiate outward on each side. The body curves outward, tapering at the waist before flaring into three overlapping horizontal plates. Rounded edges define the neckline and armholes. Small pits and holes texture the weathered gray metal, which transitions to a matte finish against the gradient background.

Gothic Breastplate

late 1400s

South Germany or Austria, Innsbruck, late 15th century

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