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Cuirass and Tassets (Torso and Hip Defense)

Armorer Attributed to Kolman Helmschmid German
Decorator Etching attributed to Daniel Hopfer German
ca. 1510–20
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 373
The decoration of this armor is an outstanding example of German figural etching, inspired by contemporary print sources, as it was used to embellish armor. The etching has been attributed to Daniel Hopfer, a noted printmaker and armor etcher. Hopfer may have pioneered the technique of making prints from an etched metal plate, which revolutionized printmaking in the sixteenth century.

The figures on the breastplate depict major Christian saints and include the Virgin and Child flanked by Saint George and Saint Christopher. On the backplate, Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child is flanked by Saint James the Great and Saint Sebastian. The figure of Saint Sebastian pierced by arrows is copied from a woodcut made about 1507 by Hans Baldung Grien (1484 or 1485–1544).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cuirass and Tassets (Torso and Hip Defense)
  • Armorer: Attributed to Kolman Helmschmid (German, Augsburg 1471–1532)
  • Decorator: Etching attributed to Daniel Hopfer (German, Kaufbeuren 1471–1536 Augsburg)
  • Date: ca. 1510–20
  • Geography: Augsburg
  • Culture: German, Augsburg
  • Medium: Steel, leather
  • Dimensions: H. 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm); Wt. 19 lb. 8 oz. (8845 g)
  • Classification: Armor
  • Credit Line: Gift of Marshall Field, 1938
  • Object Number: 38.143b–d
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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