Left Breastplate from a Brigandine
Unknown Artist
ca. 1400–1425
Medium
Steel, brass, textile
Dimensions
H. 9 1/2 in. (24.13 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.59 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 15 oz. (878.8 g)
Classification
Armor Parts
Culture
Italian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Bequest of Bashford Dean, 1928
Accession Number
29.150.103
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of medieval warfare with this exquisite *Left Breastplate from a Brigandine*, crafted in Italy around 1400–1425. Brigandines were innovative defensive garments—essentially sleeveless jackets lined with small steel plates riveted to a sturdy textile backing, offering flexibility and protection superior to rigid plate armor. This left-side breastplate, measuring just 9½ by 8½ inches and weighing under 2 pounds, exemplifies the lightweight design prized by foot soldiers, mercenaries, and light cavalry during the late Middle Ages. Made of steel plates adorned with brass rivets...