Details

Object type

breastplate

Place Associated

Italy, Brescia (probably) (place of manufacture)

Date

circa 1640-1650

Materials

steel, leather, brass, gold

Description

Cuirassier armour of Count Annibale de Capodilista dating from about 1640.

This spectacular armour was made for a very tall and broad nobleman from Pauda, Count Annibale de Capodilista (1598–1672). Count Annibale served the Venetian Republic as a condottiero (contracted soldier). This type is known as a cuirassier armour. It is for a heavy cavalryman comprised of a breast- and backplate (cuirass) combined with plate defences for the limbs.

The Count probably ordered his armour from Brescia. This armour-making centre was renowned for the quality and strength of the product, especially at a time when firearms were becoming more prominent on European battlefields. In 1532 an English duke sent his measurements for ‘una curazina securissima di quelle si fa a Brexa’. It is beautifully decorated befitting the count’s noble status. The steel has been blued by heat treatment and further decorated by engraving and gilding. This comprises foliated strap-work and a nude lady emerging from a flaming urn.

Credit Line/Donor

Bequeathed by R L Scott, 1939

Collection

R L Scott Collection

ID Number

E.1939.65.af.1

Location

Kelvingrove Conflict and Consequence