Germany, Augsburg or Hungary, 16th century / c. 1580
Breastplate from Hussar's Cuirass
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Breastplate from Hussar's Cuirass as arms and armor (Germany, Augsburg or Hungary, 16th century · c. 1580).
The breastplate’s contours, like the ridge down the center, were designed to deflect arrows and other projectiles.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as Steel (originally blued, now russet), etched and gilded strapwork bands;.
The museum's collection notes: This style of breastplate, with its numerous articulating lames, was probably used by a Hungarian hussar, a type of light cavalryman. The steel plates were originally blued-now turned russet-and etched and gilded with strapwork bands. The rows of vertical holes once provided gilt-brass settings for stones or glasspaste jewels. The effect would have suggested the semi-oriental costume and armor of the Near East favored by Polish and Hungarian armies of the late Renaissance.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBreastplate from Hussar's CuirassOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.