Lot 904

Description

Anatomically shaped greave from the right lower leg, the curvature of which follows the slightly curved course of the tibia, counterbalanced by the emphasis on the inner gastrocnemius muscle. Slit at the back, the greave enclosed the lower leg at the rear when worn. The lower edge finished with a horizontally flared, 4–6 mm wide rim. The front face smooth in the central and lower areas, with a soft transition and without the ridge otherwise frequently present. On the outer side three stepped projections in tiers, the outermost of which bends outward at the bottom. Behind it, in the field, a snake coiled twice in the centre. On the outer side a similar motif with a snake, all stepped projections there running in a slight curve. At the upper and lower ends of the sections enclosing the calf, just before the slit, a perforation for fastening the greave. On the front, the greave is drawn up in an arc well above the knee. In the centre the relief follows the outline of the kneecap, at the border the musculature of the thigh descending from above. On the inner side below, a Star over a crescent. Olive-green Patina with slight corrosion pitting and brownish-red spots. Intact, without losses or cracks. Height 43 cm. CULTURAL ASSET!

Provenance: From the Axel Guttmann Collection (estate); acquired for the collection in May 1986 from the Swiss Institut of Arms and Armour, Château de Grandson.

Condition: II Questions about the lot?