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Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Backplate
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Backplate

Culture
Datelate 16th–early 17th century, with decoration from 19th century
Mediumreblued steel, copper and brass with gilding and modern leather and velvet
Dimensions35.8 × 30.2 × 13.5 cm (14 1/8 × 11 7/8 × 5 5/16 in.), 3 lb 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1160.4
DescriptionAssociated to the breast, with a very poor fit, it is apparently contemporary, but possibly embossed to match. It is rather straight in form, and is only slightly dished for the shoulder-blades. The deeply-scooped neck opening is similar to some other early 17th century Italian backplates. Centered between the shoulders is a 19th century, iron grotesque bearded mask with darkened finish and traces of gilding, worn from the high points. It is secured to the back with four floral brass rivets. Traces of corrosion around this plaque suggest that some other mount was once fitted here.

There is a near-vertical, short integral flange which has seemingly been re-worked from a more angled position. This flange has been pierced with eight holes; two triangular groups of three each (two of the holes drilled) at the sides, and a vertical pair at the medial area. There is no loin-guard mounted presently. A set of modern straps are secured with modern domed rivets and circular washers at the tops of the shoulders. A longitudinal grouping of punched holes (2 on the right, 3 on the left) suggest that the straps were originally mounted further forward.

At the neck flange, the second holes from the anterior edge are fitted with modern straps for the pauldrons. At the lower sides the backplate is pierced with three holes, two in a horizontal set. The rearmost of these holes is fitted with a modern brass domed rivet and external, embossed circular rosette securing the velvet-covered waist straps. The isolated hole of each group is mounted with a crudely fitted, flattened-domed iron rivet without washer. A deep recess around the neckline and armholes is fitted with star and floral rivets that once secured a lining.

There are closely spaced holes for lining rivets on the front and backplates, retaining traces of an old fabric band, now filled by the star and flower rivets characteristic of the suit. These holes could suggest modification in the 17c or 18c.
ProvenanceEx-collection of prince Peter Soltykoff (St. Petersburg, Russia, ca. 1845) le Chevalier Raoul Richards (Rome, Italy, no later than 3 March 1890) V.R. Bachereau (Paris, France, 1890(?)-1892/4(?)) Lazzarone (Italy, 1892(?)-NLT 10 December 1894) Oliver H.P. Belmont (NYC and Newport, RI, post 1894) Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I., NLT 1939) Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc. (NYC, to 18 July 1939) Purchased by Museum on July 18, 1939 from Jacques Seligmann & Co., Inc (NYC), agents for estate of Clarence H. Mackay. Higgins Armory Museum (Worcester, 18 July 1939-2014) Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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