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Pair of Greaves (Lower Leg Defenses)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Pair of Greaves, created by an unknown artist, depicts a single piece of armor designed to protect the lower leg. The greave is made of metal, likely steel, and has a silver-gray color with visible signs of wear and tear, including black spots and discoloration. The greave's shape follows the contours of a human lower leg, curving inward slightly at the bottom. A strap made of darker metal, possibly brass, wraps around the center, secured by a small circular metal piece. A small metal loop is attached to the top right side. The bottom edge features a row of rivets. The greave's surface exhibits a textured appearance with numerous small pits and marks. The background of the image is a plain light gray color.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1450, with later restorations
Medium
Steel, leather
Culture
Italian
Dimensions
351 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette