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Burgonet

Armorer Attributed to Desiderius Helmschmid German
Decorator Embossed decoration attributed to Jörg Sigman German
ca. 1550–55
Not on view
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 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

More Artwork

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Two Pommel Plates of a Saddle
Desiderius Helmschmid
ca. 1550
Two Ear Guards from a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Emperor Charles V (1500–1558), Desiderius Helmschmid German, Steel, gold, German, Augsburg
Two Ear Guards from a Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Emperor Charles V (1500–1558)
Desiderius Helmschmid
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Toe Cap from a Sabaton of Emperor Charles V, Desiderius Helmschmid German, Steel, gold, German, Augsburg
Toe Cap from a Sabaton of Emperor Charles V
Desiderius Helmschmid
1544
Pair of Gauntlets from a Garniture of Armor of Philip II of Spain (reigned 1556–98), Desiderius Helmschmid German, Steel, leather, gold, German, Augsburg
Pair of Gauntlets from a Garniture of Armor of Philip II of Spain (reigned 1556–98)
Desiderius Helmschmid
Ulrich Holzmann
1546
Portions of a Costume Armor, Kolman Helmschmid German, Steel, copper alloy, gold, German, Augsburg
Portions of a Costume Armor
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525

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