Left Tasset

Artist Franz Großschedel , and/or (Landshut, Southern Germany, 1555 – 1580)

Artist Wolfgang Großschedel (Landshut, Southern Germany, 1517 – 1562)

Date1560–1570

Mediumsteel and brass with modern leather and cordage

Dimensions23 × 23 × 8 cm (9 1/16 × 9 1/16 × 3 1/8 in.), 1 lb 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1139.8

Description**Tassets should be compared to those of armor 6.64 at Paris (see Landshuter Plattnerkunst, plt, 49). Possibly from a Stechkuriss, the oblong tassets are symmetrical pair. Each is comprised of four lames of thick metal, overlapping upward. The lames articulated on sliding-rivets near the outer edge, and three internal leathers, two of which are near the inner edge. The latter two are probably inaccurate replacements where there was one strap and a lining-band on the edge.

Each of the top three lames is deep, curving asymmetrically well over the outside of the leg. Of more or less equal depth over its length, each curves up along the sides. The inner edges of these are inwardly-turned and file-roped, with the basal end of the turn flattened to accommodate its neighbor below. The upper edges are beveled and straight, marked with a V-shaped nick at a low ridge just the outside of the medial region. To either side of this a short length of the edge is not beveled, but projects slightly. Within the confines is an etched band extending longitudinally down all the lames. The upper edges at either end are similarly treated. Just barely visible below the upper edge are traces of a set of close-set pair of narrow, etched lines extending across each lame. The outer side edges are not turned, but merely chased to produce a low, plain flange.

The terminal lame is similar to those above, but with rounded corners and curving down slightly to a forward-projecting, broad point. The basal edge is finished with a boxed, inward turn that is deeply roped. A restored leather lining-strap is riveted to the side and basal edges.

The tassets are suspended from the skirt straps by a pair of double-looped buckles riveted to the top lame of each defense. The basal and side edges are decorated to match the longitudinal band. This design, which is common to the second garniture, consists of a repeated treatment of interconnected, intertwined shaded strapwork lozenges, lobated lozenges and bilobated squares, all of which are charged with four-armed foliate sprays, with the intervening spaces tendril-filled or with treble leaves. All decoration is on a delicately stippled, blackened ground. The edges of the bands are offset by a narrow white band, itself bordered on the outer side by a repeated flame-like leaved motif with truncated tips.
ProvenanceEx-collection the duc de Noailles (France) the dealer Foury (Paris) Clarence H. Mackay (Roslyn, L.I.) Purchased by the Armory from the estate of Clarence H. Mackay, through Jacques Seligmann & Co. (New York City) on 1 April 1940, their number A-5/115. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, Janaury 2014.

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