● On view now — Gallery 239
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
Once part of a complete armor, this breastplate features bold fluted or rippled surfaces meant to mimic the fashionable pleats and slashes on contemporary clothing. Enhancing the allusion to textiles, the slashes and borders are acid etched with ornament not unlike embroidery or patterned silk. On the center top is a scene of the Crucifixion, undoubtedly meant to invoke holy protection in battle.
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German, Brunswick — Backplate with Associated Culet of One L
European, possibly Spanish — Bevor ("Falling Buff") with Two
Spanish — Bevor with two Gorget Plates
Italian — Poll Plate of a Shaffron
Italian School — Backplate
German — Peytral of a Horse Armor
Italian, probably — Breastplate
Italian — Breastplate
German — Demi Shaffron
Northern Italian — Breastplate
Italian — Breastplate
German, Innsbruck
Mark: Michel Witz the Younger of Innsbruck