Decoration, about 1580-1610 steel with traces of gilding and leather

weight: 19 lb. 10 oz.

Worcester Art Museum, The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection,

2014.70

Every inch of this half-armor is covered with figures, scrolls, and other ornamental motifs hammered, or embossed, in low relief. The background was originally gilded to enrich the metal and provide contrast for the raised decoration.

The central figures on the breastplate represent Mars, ancient Roman god of war, and Venus, goddess of love. These deities and other imagery symbolize peace and prosperity, fitting for an armor designed for civilian rather than military use. Some examples were made purely for ceremonial purposes, particularly embossed armor, since the elaborate hammering weakened the metal and rendered it useless for combat.