Getty Museum

Breastplate

Date

about 480 B.C.

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Greek (South Italian)

Department

Armor

Institution

Getty Museum

This breastplate for a horse is decorated with incision and repousse to depict a frontal quadriga. The two horses in the middle look towards one another; the outer horses look away. To either side, facing outward, are winged figures each wearing a chiton and carrying a herald’s staff and wreath (Nikai or messengers?). The small holes running around the edge of the breastplate allowed a leather backing to be sewn onto the bronze for cushioning; the larger holes at the ends were used to attach a fastening strap.

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