1721 - Solid Ceremonial Breastplate

Solid Ceremonial Breastplate Italy, ca. 1540–1560, an exceptionally well-preserved component of a tournament suit of armor. The neck and angular arm openings feature fire-gilding that is well-preserved in places, with etched details. Solid, heavy breastplate with a central ridge and accentuated tapul; the fastening hook, with an octagonal cross-section, is positioned further to the left (from the rider’s perspective) than on earlier pieces. The front of the plate features well-preserved leaf tendrils in fire gilding on a finely blued/burnished background. The belly band and the embossed plates of the arm openings are gilded with geometric and floral patterns on a finely burnished background. The lower edge of the belly band is studded with gilded decorative rivets. The reverse side shows distinct hammer marks. The left buckle for attachment to the missing back plate is preserved. H 36.5 cm, W 32 cm, Wt 5580 g.