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Child-sized backplate from the Arsenal of the Medici
Child-sized backplate from the Arsenal of the Medici
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Child-sized backplate from the Arsenal of the Medici

Dateabout 1575 with later alterations
Mediumetched iron with restored leathers
Dimensions28 × 26 × 15 cm (11 × 10 1/4 × 5 7/8 in.), 2 lb 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1157.3
DescriptionAssociated to breastplate, of 1 piece, embossed for shoulders, slight medial depression, but cut down, & from Medicean garrison. Pierced at sides on lower edge for securing waist straps. Borders outwardly turned, inwardly rolled (probably over wire), later roped to match those of breastplate; traces of the continuation of the original etched decoration can be seen on the turns. Loinguard of 1 lame, restored and associated. Roped edge, single indented border. Secured to lower edge of backplate by a single rivet on each side. Traces of gilding in the etching.

Decorated similarly to colletin, with addition of classically-armed warrior within cartouche on bands. The central motif covers most of the upper center and medial area of the plate. The warrior's cartouche is bordered above and below by foliate work, and on either side with the double helix (originally probably roped) and etched lines. Above and centered on the back are two profile busts in the Classic style, a female (proper left) and male (proper right) withing circular designs, bordered by foliate sprays and winged figured. Emanating from the center are two diverging roped lines, between which is filled with a variety of grotesques and trophies.

Centralized in the arms of the Medici charged with the cross of the Order of San Stephano (see Boccia pp. 313-315; pp. 370-371, plts. 338-43) as used by the dukes of Tuscany.
Label TextThis backplate may have belonged to a young member of the Medici, a powerful family of bankers who became rulers of Florence in the 1400s and 1500s. Child armor was an extravagance. Boys quickly outgrew their armor, so only very wealthy families could afford this luxury. The elaborate etching on its surface, which features profile busts, grotesques and figures in ancient-style armor, also conveys an aura of opulence.ProvenanceFelix Joubert of London sold to Clarence H. Mackay in 1922. Purchased by John W. Higgins from Jacques Seligman & Co., NY (agents for Mackay) on 18 July 1939. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
portions 1500s, assembled and decorated in 1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
1560–1570
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
German
late 1500s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern German
1555–1560
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Southern German
about 1580
Conservation Status: After Treatment
Northern Italian
about 1510–1515
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 16th–early 17th century, with decoration from 19th century
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 16th–early 17th century, with decoration from 19th century
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 16th century, with decoration from 19th century
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 16th–early 17th century, with decoration from 19th century
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
1560–1570