# Cuirass

- By: French
- Date: 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
- Credit line: George F. Harding Collection
- Museum: [Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/116332)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://www.artic.edu/iiif/2/d77c8e70-3d10-3acf-47ce-b9899e01274f/full/!1920,1080/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

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