Introduction: This breastplate is themed in what the Italians refer to as “ala antica” (old period decoration).

Its masterful repoussé/embossing, gilding, silvering , and the inlaid precious metal accents, such as the silver accents inlayed in the horse’s eyes, which confirm a high level of craftsmanship.

Repoussé is a technique whereby the decoration is shaped by hammering from the reverse side. Embossing is the opposite; the metal is hammered from the front side, causing the metal to sink around the decoration being created. Like many Renaissance masterpieces, the breastplate under discussion has been crafted using a combination of techniques and several others, such as:

 Silvering was executed by applying silver foil to a file-roughed surface using a burnisher. As you would imagine, such an expensive process was exclusively an option for the mega-wealthy and powerful.

Gilding is the process of applying a gold finish to metal. A gilded (gold) finish attaches to metal when heated. For the gold to attach, it must become a paste solution with mercury, called “amalgam”. The amalgam is applied to the surface to be decorated and gently heated until the mercury evaporates, leaving the gold embedded in the metal. Since iron/steel does not form an amalgam, iron/ steel has to be dipped in a copper sulfate solution (coppering) for the gilding to attach.

Discussion: The first significant embossing is on Maximilian armor. Maximilian armor has the flutes hammered from the backside outward (see page 122 in my book). Other, more recognizable embossed decorative armor did not flourish until circa 1520. The subject matter on most embossed items, such as the breastplate under discussion, deals with the Italian Classics, which were prevalent during the Renaissance. For this reason, embossing was incorrectly attributed exclusively to Italian armor. It’s now understood that embossing was mainstream among armorers in Germany, Italy, and Flanders. Due to their similarities, it is challenging to accurately attribute the country or specific armorer responsible for a piece’s creation.

Description: The breastplate is constructed of very low-carbon steel, which was the norm during the Renaissance, to be able to work the metal by hammer.  The decoration on it depicts a battle between four mounted knights in the center,  two corpses underneath them, and one infantryman on the ground shielding himself from being trampled by the horses. Under the neckline of the breastplate, a profile portrait of a helmeted warrior, probably Mars, is depicted, flanked by two winged deities, possibly Zeus and Venus, or an allegory of the sun and moon. Under the central field, a bearded, emaciated deity, perhaps, as depicted in the oil painting by Giorgio Vasari, The Mutilation of Uranus by Saturn [Cronus], in the  16th century. Flanked by two river gods. At the base where the breastplate flairs out are  Dragons and floral tendrils.  Expertly mounted on a stone base on a mannequin.

Approximate dimensions:  Height 55 cm, Width 40 cm.

Condition: Superb. Cleaned and conserved to museum standards.

Conclusions: Armor pieces like this are seldom seen in the marketplace.  It’s a miracle of fate that this masterpiece was not put in a museum 100 years ago. Although embossed French armor is not my forte, in my opinion, as well as that of the PhD expert I consulted with (call for details), this breastplate was made in France around 1570. He brought to my attention that W. Boeheim states…

” There was a certain reluctance (at the time)  to pay the full amount charged by craftsmen like the imported Filippo Negroli (of Italy), so they (the French) tried to keep costs lower by involving other craftsmen”…..

Craftsmen who were also exceptionally talented but not at the level or did not command the prices of a Negroli of Italy or a  Helmschmied of Germany. Be thankful it was not made by a Negroli or Helmsmied, if it were, it would have been put in a museum over 100 years ago, or be priced today way above the cost of a new Rolls-Royce.   This Renaissance masterpiece has been conserved to museum standards and is priced to sell quickly. This armor is even more impressive in person than it appears in pictures. It should sell quickly, and another one will not be available anytime soon. ACT-NOW!!!*

(wooden pedestal not included)