[Quinn W.]

I have been looking for a new breast and backplate for a time, specifically something resembling the one or two-piece Milanese designs of the 15th century. As I've searched, I have found a trend of globose, pot-bellied, or otherwise more rounded forms around the stomach. I was wondering if getting something fitted a little more closely to the gut would be problematic in terms of maneuverability or otherwise be historically inaccurate? I like to know I'm sporting a believable kit, but would rather not have my friends joke that I look pregnant whenever I don my breastplate.
I would like to be accurate whilst looking my best, but when it comes down to it, historical accuracy is my priority and that passion is strong enough that I'll put up with a little joking if the alternative is picking something inaccurate or not being able to bend over. Still, I'm asking my knowledgeable friends here if I have to settle for one or the other?
Thanks everyone,
-Quinn

[Blaz Berlec]

Actually, Milanese cuirasses aren't "globose, pot-bellied, or otherwise more rounded forms around the stomach" - the waist line is quite high and falls on the belly, it's the chest area that is globose and exaggerated:

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/782BAF...93965e.jpg

It's the fashion thing, dragging from the 14th century, where even civil clothes were stuffed to give the wearer that coveted "pidgeon-brested look". Also, a lot of reproductions are not exactly following the originals.

[Quinn W.]

Ah, I can see what you're saying quite well from that image. It makes perfect sense, too, to have the armor protrude out in either direction of a "pivot point" like the stomach.
Thanks for the clarification. I must be looking at too many poor reproductions.

[Hendrik De Coster]

here are some pictures of my reproduction italian breastplate. by now i've done some changes of my own to make the fit even thighter but i'm guessing you can clearly see there's no pregnant belly as you described;)

[Quinn W.]

Clearly not. You know, I think I see how I misinterpreted things. I have seen many breasplates by themselves, and I must have assumed that the faulds began at the hips, when in truth they begin at the naval. With my perception about four inches off, I therfore assumed the curvature of the chest was instead a curvature of the stomach. Seeing it on an actual person makes it obvious that's not the case.
Thanks for clearing things up.

[Hendrik De Coster]

it's a mistake quite a lot of people make, including armourers so don't blame yourself;)

[Zac Evans]

[Mihai Ionita]

That armour would fit the 1470s, right?

Actually, when is the illustration from? That style looks like Export Italian armour made for a customer with German passions, judging by the generally Italian form of the whole harness and the German-specific sharper decorations.

[Zac Evans]

[Mihai Ionita]

You know, I think I've actually seen this painting in person. I visited the National Galleries last summer and I think I spent the better part of an hour in the Medieval section of the museum. I swear, those Venetian and Dutch portraits were some of the most beautiful pieces of art I've ever seen, beautiful in their simplicity (usually the person posing for the picture and a black background) and (this is something that appeals to me, personally) in the fact that the painters tried to capture the subject as accurately and realistically as possible, trying to create a sort of medieval photograph.

The armour is, however, German as opposed to my previous interpretation of Italian armour. At least I got the years right.

[Zac Evans]