Backplate
Culture
Indian
Date1600s–1700s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions43 × 34 × 15 cm (16 15/16 × 13 3/8 × 5 7/8 in.), 4 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.42.2
DescriptionConsists of mainplate, collar plate, two flank plates, and scalloped edging plates.Label TextSince ancient times, Europeans and South Asians have exchanged goods through the ports of Egypt and the caravan routes of Persia. Direct contact between Europe and South Asia began with the voyage of the Portuguese adventurer Vasco da Gama in 1498. Over the following centuries, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French merchants became an increasingly common sight in Indian cities. Solid plate armor was not a traditional feature of South Asian arms and armor. It began to appear in the 1600s in imitation of similar European types. The imitation pectoral muscles on this example hearken back to ancient Greek and Roman styles, although the decorative edging is a characteristic Indian touch.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.
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