Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 3).djvu/322

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Fig. 1052. From a picture attributed to Jacinto Geronimo de Espinosa

Representing the Biblical subject of "Jael and Sisera." Sisera, it will be noted, wears the suit of armour, Fig. 1051. Ex collection: the late Sir Charles Robinson, C.B.

suit in which Campi has had recourse to the customary shaped plates of the XVIth century. The espaliers are composed of large hollow plates to which are applied masks, dependent from the mouths of which are a series of rectangular plates, similar to those seen round the skirt. Both the edging of the espaliers, and the foundation of the skirt are of fine riveted mail with delicately vandyked borders. The casque head-piece presents a profile like that of some fine Greek helmet, almost of pure classic form, with hinged ear-pieces. To complete the harness Campi, following very carefully the classical mode, has limited the protection of the legs to buskin boots, fashioned of open steelwork in the style of the cothurnus, which, according to Virgil, was a species of boot which came half-way up the shin, and was fastened with laces in front. As to the decoration of this harness, nothing