A FINE SOUTH GERMAN BREASTPLATE C.1560 FOR THE FOOT TOURNAMENT

This armor was designed for the foot tournament, an event that was separate from the equestrian jousts popularized during the Middle Ages and still favored among Renaissance aristocracies throughout Europe. Foot tournaments were commonly fought over a barrier that separated the combatants and gave protection to their legs, so a half-armor such as this one provided sufficient protection. The absence of armor for the legs lightened the wearer’s burden and allowed greater mobility which added to the excitement of the event. They were tests of skill, judged not only on the effectiveness of strikes, but also on the technique of the combatants.
The bold decoration is scaled to be seen by tournament guests at a distance. It ends at the waist as  the barrier concealed below that level. The surface bears two concussive impacts on the right side evidently made by the same weapon. Each is about 7mm with textured surface indicating a blunt instrument, probably a mace and precluding lance, sword or axe.  Height: 18 ¾”  Weight: 5:4.3