North Italy, 16th century / c. 1550–1600
Breastplate with Etched Bands of Trophies and Medallions
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Breastplate with Etched Bands of Trophies and Medallions as arms and armor (North Italy, 16th century · c. 1550–1600).
Etching is a technique where either the design or its ground is bitten into the metal surface with acid, the rest being protected by a protective wax or varnish.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as etched steel.
The museum's collection notes: Shown here together is a burgonet , buffe , and breastplate all decorated with a technique known as etching. A burgonet is a light open helmet characterized by a peak, a fall over the eyes, and hinged earpieces. The face is protected by the addition of a buffe, a sperate detachable element worn with the open helmet that extends to the throat. It connects to the breastplate which protects the abdomen and is worn with a backplate.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBreastplate with Etched Bands of Trophies and MedallionsOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.