Cleveland Museum of Art

Breastplate with Etched Bands of Trophies and Medallions

Date

c. 1550–1600

Medium

etched steel

Culture

North Italy, 16th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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. 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.

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