About this artwork
Gorgets, designed to shield the neck, were one of the last vestiges of protective plate armor on the battlefield. While functional gorgets were made with steel front and back plates, this is an early example of a single-plate, ornamental version. Made by a goldsmith from soft brass and then gilded, it would have been worn as a conspicuous symbol of rank. The image of Athena, Greek goddess of war and wisdom, at the center perhaps indicates that it was made for a military engineer or high-ranking officer schooled in the art and science of war.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 239
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Department
- Applied Arts of Europe
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Title
- Gorget (neck defense)
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Place
- France (Object Possibly made in)
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Medium
- Copper alloy and gilding
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Inscriptions
- Stamped: crowned upside-down R (on proper left border)
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Dimensions
- 22.9 × 22.9 cm (9 × 9 in.)
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Credit Line
- Through prior acquisition of the George F. Harding Collection; Laird Landmann Arms and Armor Fund
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Reference Number
- 2023.3038
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.