Cuirassier's Armor

dated 1621; helmet brim and buffe, 19th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 371

This armor appears to belong to a small group of finely made Dutch armors from the first third of the seventeenth century. The date is found in the decoration of the lowest plates of the poleyns (knee defenses) and reads, ANNO (left); 1621 (right). The helmet’s brim and falling buffe (face defense) are restorations dating from the nineteenth century. Both the breastplate and backplate of this armor were proved, that is, a pistol or musket was fired at them to ensure that they were bulletproof. The resulting dent was then hammered out to leave only a slight depression, which was incorporated into the decoration.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Cuirassier's Armor
Date: dated 1621; helmet brim and buffe, 19th century
Culture: possibly Dutch
Medium: Steel, gold, leather
Dimensions: Wt. 80 lb. 6 oz. (36.45 kg)
Classification: Armor for Man-3/4 Armor
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.697
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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