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Gorget (neck defense)

A work made of copper alloy and gilding.

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  • A work made of copper alloy and gilding.

Date:

c. 1650-60

Artist:

French or possibly Flemish

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.

Status

On View, Gallery 239

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Title

Gorget (neck defense)

Place

France (Object Possibly made in)

Medium

Copper alloy and gilding

Inscriptions

Stamped: crowned upside-down R (on proper left border)

Dimensions

22.9 × 22.9 cm (9 × 9 in.)

Credit Line

Through prior acquisition of the George F. Harding Collection; Laird Landmann Arms and Armor Fund

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.

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