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Pair of Thigh Defenses (Cuisses) with Knee Defeneses (Poleyn)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Two metal thigh defenses, also known as cuisses, with attached knee defenses, also known as poleyns. The cuisses are shaped like tapered cylinders, wider at the top and narrow to a rounded point at the bottom. Each piece is made of multiple overlapping plates riveted together. The plates are fastened with round rivets along the edges and in rows on the surface. Two thinner strips of metal wrap around the circumference, one near the top and one near the bottom. The metal is dark gray and has a worn, weathered appearance with visible scratches and scuffs. The background is light grey with shadows cast to the left and right. The pair is symmetrical, with slight variations in plate shape and rivet placement. The cuisses and poleyns are displayed side by side.

Artwork Details

Date
16th century
Medium
Steel
Culture
German, Augsburg
Dimensions
594 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette