Cuirass
1700/50
- Medium
- Steel, brass, silver-gilt bradding, silk textile, and leather
- Classification
- Armor
- Dimensions
- Breastplate Wt. 16 lb. 7 oz. Backplate Wt. 16 lb. 5 oz.
- Culture
- France
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago, Applied Arts of Europe
- Credit line
- George F. Harding Collection
- Rights
- Public domain (CC0), as the museum states it.
- Who can see it
- Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed
View at the Art Institute of Chicago
About this work
At over 33 pounds, this shot-proof breastplate was nearly too heavy to wear. Surprisingly, this is about the same weight as the outer tactical vests (OTVs) used by the modern military.
This well-preserved cuirass was likely produced for the elite cavalry regiment known as the King’s Cuirassiers. The original blue surface contrasted against engraved and gilt bands to reference the French royal colors.
Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0
