Breastplate for a Youth
Culture
Northern German
Date1540–1550
Mediumsteel
Dimensions38 × 29 × 15 cm (14 15/16 × 11 7/16 × 5 7/8 in.), 4 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Terms
Object number2014.730.1
DescriptionHammer-rough steel, now bright, of robust weight. Of peaked form, without provision for a rest. Near-level neck below which is full-length medial ridge drawn to point at about mid-height. Ogival, embossed friezes at neck & arms, latter with flexible gussets once with buckles at squared tops. Frieze hammerwork is different from that on the backplate, likely altered to match. Angular, inward roped turns at neck & arms, with knurl at mid-length. Rounded one lame fauld riveted to basal flange & (later?) pierced at sides for lost straps. Lower edge turned & roped, with shallow, wide recessed border.Layout punchmarks present at top and bottom of medial ridge and at armholes. Heavy grindmarks also present on exterior to reduce the hammer-rough surface.
Label TextThis breastplate and backplate are typical for the period, with a fashionable peaked breastplate, tapering waist, and decorative edging. An additional plate has been added across the top of the backplate, probably in order to accommodate a growing wearer. Aristocratic boys wore armor from a young age, and their armor might be altered over time to make it last longer.ProvenancePrince Albrecht Radziwill Gifted by Radziwill to Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1927 (as 27.183.1-2-103, part of gift of 27.183.1-109) MMA 27.183.96-109 exchanged with Bashford Dean in 1928, for objects from Dresden Reaccessioned at MMA as 29.158.158; later deaccessioned Purchased by Museum at Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc.. (NYC) on November 15, 1956, sale no. 1708, lot no. 174. Paid $95 for lot which includes HAM#s 3135.1-7. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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