Burgonet
In the mid-sixteenth century, armor covered with embossed figures and ornament in the Mannerist style was the specialty of Italian armorers such as the Negroli family of Milan and also of a few workshops in France and Flanders. This beautifully scuptural helmet is a rare example of embossed armor made by German craftsmen. It is very similar in design and workmanship to a parade armor made in 1549–50 by Helmschmid and Sigman for the future Philip II of Spain (1527–1598).
Faint traces of engraved designs and damascening in gold and silver indicate that originally, this helmet was more lavishly decorated and colorful in appearance.
Faint traces of engraved designs and damascening in gold and silver indicate that originally, this helmet was more lavishly decorated and colorful in appearance.
Artwork Details
- Title: Burgonet
- Armorer: Attributed to Desiderius Helmschmid (German, Augsburg, 1513–1579)
- Decorator: Embossed decoration attributed to Jörg Sigman (German, Augsburg, 1527–1601)
- Date: ca. 1550–55
- Geography: Augsburg
- Culture: German, Augsburg
- Medium: Steel
- Dimensions: H. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); W. 8 3/4 in. (22.3 cm); D. 15 in. (38.1 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 11 oz. (2126 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 25.135.66
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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