Plastron Collection

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Plastron; Breast-piece; Bruststuck (engraving)
7197145 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Plastron; Breast-piece; Bruststuck (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Plastron; Breast-piece; Bruststuck)

Homopus areolatus, before 1792 (w / c on paper)
HMB306138 Homopus areolatus, before 1792 (w/c on paper) by Wunder, Friedrich Wilhelm (fl.before 1792); Humboldt-Universitaet, Berlin

Emys orbicularis, before 1801 (w / c on paper)
HMB306139 Emys orbicularis, before 1801 (w/c on paper) by Wunder, Friedrich Wilhelm (fl.before 1792); 30x22 cm; Humboldt-Universitaet, Berlin

Chrysemys picta, before 1792 (w / c on paper)
HMB306141 Chrysemys picta, before 1792 (w/c on paper) by Wunder, Friedrich Wilhelm (fl.before 1792); 29.5x23.5 cm; Humboldt-Universitaet, Berlin

Armes et outils des premiers habitants de la Gaule (engraving)
963520 Armes et outils des premiers habitants de la Gaule (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Armes et outils des premiers habitants de la Gaule)

Fencer

Ladies Treasury 1880
Jacket body: pointed side basques, wrap-over front & buckle, skirt of narrow flounces & slight train. Plum & grey tunic: pleated bodice, cord & tassel belt. Date: 1880

Girl of Six, Crimson Vicuna, with Satin Plastron, 1882, Fashion

Plastron of Leathery Turtle

Girl Of Six, Crimson Vicuna, With Satin Plastron, 1882, Fashion

Egyptian civilization. Plastron (front piece) from female mummy in painted stucco, from Antinous (El Sheikh Ibada)
Egyptian civilization, 2nd-3rd century A.D. Plastron (front piece) from a female mummy in painted stucco. From Antinous (El Sheikh Ibada)

River Turtle, big-headed turtle cannot pull head into shell, pink head with black and yellow stripes, sturdy legs, large webbed feet, sharp claws

LS Plate 103 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 103 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

LS Plate 102 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 102 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

LS Plate 101 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 101 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

LS Plate 96 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)
LS Plate 96 from the John Reeves Collection of Zoological Drawings from Canton, China 1774-1856

Plate 97 from the John Reeves Collection (Zoology)

Fashions 1884
Jacket bodice with dentate basques & plastron, pleated skirt & tunic; jacket body & waistcoat, small fur muff, flounce edged skirt, tunic draped in a polonaise. Date: 1884

Green Costume 1877
Vertical silhouette enhances by vertical trim on the cuirasse bodice and skirt. The front plastron is in the same shade as the cuffs. The skirt has a rounded train

Women, Girl & Hoop 1877
Cuirasse bodice & tunic with underskirt in pink & grey; gold dress with square neckline & plastron composed of horizontal bands of lace. The girl wears heeled boots

WOMEN & BOW 1877
Boy: angle-fronted jacket, spatterdashes & tyrolean hat. Women: dark brown dress with beige back plastron; green & cream dress with habit bodice & striped ornament

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The plastron, also known as the breast-piece or Bruststuck in engraving terms, has a rich history and diverse uses. Dating back to before 1792, we see its presence in various artworks such as Homopus areolatus, Emys orbicularis, and Chrysemys picta. These watercolor paintings on paper depict different species of turtles with their distinctive plastrons. Intriguingly, engravings from "Armes et outils des premiers habitants de la Gaule" showcase how early Gaul inhabitants utilized the plastron for protection and practical purposes. The significance of this piece is further emphasized by a pictogram found on a turtle's plastron with divination text - highlighting its connection to ancient beliefs and rituals. Moving forward in time, the Ladies Treasury of 1880 showcases the versatility of the plastron beyond its original purpose. It becomes an element of fashion as seen in "Girl of Six, Crimson Vicuna, with Satin Plastron. " This demonstrates how it evolved into an accessory that added elegance and style to women's attire. Beyond art and fashion lies cultural significance. The Gorsedh Kernow Bardic ceremony held in Roche, Cornwall in September 1991 features participants wearing plastrons as part of their traditional attire. This highlights how this piece continues to hold importance within certain communities even today. Moreover, sports enthusiasts can appreciate the use of a plastron by fencers who wear it for protection during matches. Its sturdy construction safeguards vital areas while allowing freedom of movement necessary for swift actions. Finally, Jacques Callot's etching titled "Noble Man with Fur Plastron" captures yet another facet where this item was used - indicating social status or wealth during his time period (c. 1620-1623). From ancient times to modern-day applications across art forms and cultures alike, the plastron's significance endures.