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German

Gorget

1620/50
Steel, brass, gilding, and leather

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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

Light cavalrymen and officers on foot increasingly wore large gorgets in place of full breast and backplates. Often paired with a heavy buff-leather coat, these effectively protected the wearer’s neck and heart from heavy sword cuts or thrusts. This well-preserved example retains its original blue-black finish and leather lining.

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