Left Greave

A greave is armor that protects the kneecap and lower leg. This example has elaborate decoration in repoussé (a technique in which metal is impressed from the rear to form a raised design), including the face of a lion over the knee and lines emphasizing the muscles of the calf on either side. Tiny holes lining the top and bottom edges secured a fabric lining and leather strips for attachment to the leg.

This piece of bronze armor is an element of the hoplite's panoply, which also included a helmet, breastplate, shield, spear, and sword. The hoplite's armor signified the social status of its owner, who was required to furnish his weapons at his own expense. It also signaled a citizen's service to the community and would thus have been a source of pride to its owner (Snodgrass 1967 (1999), 58-9).

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

E. Zoumpoulakis, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Joseph Brummer, 1938, by purchase [Brummer inv. no. P15089]; Joseph Brummer Estate Sale, New York, 1949, pt. II, lot 183; Walters Art Museum, 1949, by purchase.