DISCOVERART

German

Codpiece

1550/70
Steel
10.2 × 7.6 cm (4 × 3 in)

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● On view now — Gallery 239

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Though a strange fashion to us today, the codpiece was commonly used to garb the male groin throughout Europe in the 16th century. In clothing they might be stuffed or used as a pouch or pocket in which items were kept. In steel, they were worn only for use on foot, as they would have caused discomfort when riding, and therefore were designed to be detachable. The spring-loaded pin at the top passed through a hole at the crotch of the breastplate from which it suspended.

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