Muscle Cuirass

The cuirass is being consisted by two separate bronze pieces, the pectoral and the dorsal plate (around 1,2mm thickness) and has been modeled in a way which imitate the anatomical idealistic elements of an athletic male physique.The particular built bronze torso includes light anatomical features:pectoral muscles, abdominal muscles, elaborate navel and inset nipples.

Τhe general appearance of the thorax resembles someone suctioning his stomach by keeping his breath.The two plates being held together through a system of ring fasteners by means of “butterfly” pins (six pairs) and riveted tubular hinges with pins (four such pairs-under armpit areas).

All the edges of the plates (neck, arm, lower body) have been rolled inwards in order to prevent chafing and discomfort.

Τhick woolen padding and silk lining covers all the internal surfaces of the cuirass. Padding was necessary for the protection of the skin from abrasion and heat and to absorb wounds and, of course, to stabilize the whole structure on the torso effectively.

The reproduction has been based on an actual archaeological find(5^th-4^th century BC), belonging to Αxel Guttman collection of  Christie’s auction House. 

It should be mentioned that every cuirass of this typology was custom-built differing in overall size, volume and placement of the anatomical features. The unique identity of each would then be strongly related to the personality of the wearer who would have ordered the cuirass built.