Cuirassier's Armor

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This armor appears to belong to a small group of finely made Dutch armors from the first third of the seventeenth century. The date is found in the decoration of the lowest plates of the poleyns (knee defenses) and reads, ANNO (left); 1621 (right). The helmet’s brim and falling buffe (face defense) are restorations dating from the nineteenth century. Both the breastplate and backplate of this armor were proved, that is, a pistol or musket was fired at them to ensure that they were bulletproof. The resulting dent was then hammered out to leave only a slight depression, which was incorporated into the decoration.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art