Breastplate
Culture
Indian
Culture
Hyderabad
, central India
Date1600s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions39 × 33 × 17 cm (15 3/8 × 13 × 6 11/16 in.), 64 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Terms
Object number2014.42.1
DescriptionConsists of main plate, 2 flank plates, 2 shoulder plates, and scalloped edging plates. Working-life patch in middle of chest.Label TextSolid plate armor was not traditionally part of South Asian arms and armor, but it began to appear in the 1600s in imitation of similar European types. The pectoral muscles on this rare example hearken back to ancient Greek and Roman styles, despite the characteristically Indian decorative edging.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on January 31, 1933 from Theodore Offerman (NYC). He purchased lot #498 at the Morosini sale, American Art Association (NYC) on October 10, 1932 which included the cuirass. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
