Reinforcing breastplate (plackard)

made by Erasmus Kirkener (circa 1495 - 1567)

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

circa 1550 - 1557

The reinforcing breastplate or plackard belongs to the armour of William Herbert, first Earl of Pembroke, a key supporter of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Elizabeth I. The plackard retains its original gilt lance-rest and would have been worn over the main breastplate when the owner served as a heavy cavalryman. The plackard was the only major element missing from the suit of armour already in the museum's collection. It is an indicator of the wealth, status and ability of the wearer.

• Medium: steel & gold
• Dimensions: 46 x 30.5 x 18cm
• Art Fund Grant: £25000 ( Total: £99,000)
• ArtFunded in: 2004
• Vendor: Jonathan Barrett

Provenance

Wilton House, Salisbury, circa 1550-1650; looted during Civil War, circa 1650; ...; Jonathan Barrett, 1990.

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