Portions of a Cuirass

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Armors with circular breastplates appeared in the Middle East in the late fifteenth century and were used by the Ottoman heavy cavalry throughout the sixteenth century. This example has plates embossed in high relief lettering with several different verses from the Koran praising God.

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