Body Defense (Brigandine)

Currently not on view

Body Defense (Brigandine)

1570-1580

Artist/maker unknown, European (Italian) or possibly Eastern European (Russian)

A popular type of body armor as early as c. 1400, brigandines became increasingly uncommon after 1500 as firearms were becoming more effective. Probably intended for a noble patron, this example may be the latest western European brigandine known to exist.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Body Defense (Brigandine)

Date:

1570-1580

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, European (Italian) or possibly Eastern European (Russian)

Medium:

Iron alloy (steel), tinned; copper alloy (brass); textiles (interior: linen; exterior: velvet, dyed red)

Dimensions:

Front portion: 28 1/2 × 22 7/16 inches, 13.3 lb., 13 pounds 5.2 ounces (72.4 × 57 cm, 6045 × 6045g) Back portion: 24 × 21 3/4 inches, 10.1 lb., 10 pounds 1.6 ounces (61 × 55.2 cm, 4580 × 4580g) Weight (Total): 23.4 lb., 23 pounds 6.8 ounces (10625 × 10625g)

Classification:

Arms and Armor

Credit Line:

Bequest of Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, 1977

Accession Number:

1977-167-239a,b

Geography:

Made in Europe Probably made in Italy, Europe

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Currently not on view