South German or Austrian

Breastplate

c. 1520
Steel

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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

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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