Breastplate

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The construction follows the German fashion of three overlapping plates and may indicate that this breastplate was intended for export north of the Alps. Along the edges are traces of floral scrolls formed by punched dots, a technique of armor decoration predating the use of etching.

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