904 - Anatomically shaped greave, Magna Graecia, 5th century B.C.

Anatomically shaped greave, Magna Graecia, 5th century B.C. Anatomically shaped greave from the right lower leg, whose curve follows the gently curved line of the tibia and is balanced by the emphasis on the medial gastrocnemius muscle. When worn, the leg guard—which is slit at the back—also enclosed the lower leg from behind. The lower edge of the leg guard is finished with a horizontally flared rim 4 mm to 6 mm wide. The front surface is smooth in the middle and lower sections, with a gentle curve, lacking the ridge that is otherwise frequently present. On the outer side are three staggered steps, the outermost of which curves outward at the bottom. Behind them, in the central field, is a snake coiled twice in the middle. On the outer side is a similar motif featuring a snake, with all the stepped indentations there running in a slightly curved line. At the upper and lower ends of the sections encircling the calf, just before the slit, there is a perforation for fastening the leg guard. On the front, the greave curves upward in an arc well above the knee. In the center, the relief mimics the outline of the kneecap; at the edge, it depicts the thigh muscles extending downward from above. On the inner side below, a star above a crescent moon. Olive-green patina with slight corrosion marks and brown-red spots. Intact, with no missing parts or cracks. Height 43 cm. CULTURAL PROPERTY! Provenance: From the Axel Guttmann Collection (estate); acquired for the collection in May 1986 from the Swiss Arms Institute, Château de Grandson. Condition: II