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Italic chestplate with fine decorations

Price: on request
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Object number
AR3014
Object: Italic chestplate with fine decorations

Material: Solid bronze.

Period: 8th cent. BC to late 7th cent. BC.
Fascinating transitional period between the late Villanova culture and the early Etruscans.
Iron Age of central Italy.

Description:    Bronze chestplate in the shape of a slightly convex disc. The outer surface is completely decorated with geometric patterns. Concentric bands are arranged around a central fivefold cross of knobs. The bands are made of hatched or punched motifs, e.g. zigzag or swastika, popular motifs of the Villanova culture and the Etruscans.
Holes near the edge of the plate were used to fix it on the clothing in a position to protect the heart. Hence this type of armour is also called cardiophylax. It was used in central Italy by the Villanovan culture or the early Etruscans. The fine decorations immediately flag this plate as show-piece. The thick bronze required to provide effective protection was quite valuable at the time.

Dimensions: 22cm diameter.

Condition: Very good overall condition with wonderful polychrome patina. A piece of approx. 10cm length near the edge has been remodeled. Otherwise the original bronze is fully preserved and intact except for minor damages and cracks along the rim. Extremely well preserved geometric decorations. The rear side has been reinforced in modern times. The piece comes with a modern acrylic stand.

Provenance: Acquired by us in 2020 from a Swiss auction house. Previously in the possession of Galerie Jean-David Cahn AG, Basel, Switzerland. Offered as lot 39 in the 2015 September 26th auction "Ancient Art / YC" of Cahn AG. From the estate of Wladimir Rosenbaum (1894 to 1984), Galleria Serodine S.A. in Ascona, Switzerland.

References: Cf. British Museum, museum no. 1867,0508.374.

Authenticity: We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.