Artwork preview

Pair of Thigh Defenses (Cuisses) with Knee Defenses (Poleyns)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two metal thigh and knee defenses, made of silver-colored metal, likely steel, with a ribbed design featuring vertical lines. The thigh defenses are long and curved, tapering towards the top, with rounded edges. The top edge of each piece has a flat band with small rivets. The knee defenses are circular with a scalloped edge and a central raised section. Both pieces have a similar design and are symmetrical. The background is a plain gray surface with shadows cast by the defenses.

Artwork details

Date:
16th century
Medium:
Steel
Culture:
German, Nuremberg
Dimensions:
557 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette