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Armet

ca. 1490, with later additions
Not on view
The medieval English custom of hanging a helmet over a tomb as part of the deceased's funerary "achievement" continued well into the seventeeth century. Thanks to this practice, numerous early helmets have been preserved. Like many "church helmets," this example is composite, being made up of old, reused parts assembled somewhat haphazardly for mortuary use. The bowl, which originally was fitted with a brow reinforce, and the cheekpieces are Italian. The right side of the bowl at the back bears faint traces of three Milanese armorers' marks: a crown surmounting letters and, struck twice below, a split-legged cross enclosing two letters. (The visor and upper bevor are adapted from other helmets and the rondel is modern.)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Armet
  • Date: ca. 1490, with later additions
  • Geography: Milan; said to have been found in Norfolk
  • Culture: Italian, Milan
  • Medium: Steel, brass
  • Dimensions: H. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 7 oz. (2903 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of George D. Pratt, 1928
  • Object Number: 28.74.2
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

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Armet, LIONARDO Italian, Steel, copper alloy, Italian, probably Milan
Armet
LIONARDO
ca. 1440
Burgonet, Filippo Negroli Italian, Steel, gold, textile, Italian, Milan
Burgonet
Filippo Negroli
dated 1543
Elements of an Italian Light-Cavalry Armor <i>alla Tedesca</i> (in the German Fashion), Steel, gold, copper alloy, leather, Italian, Milan
Elements of an Italian Light-Cavalry Armor alla Tedesca (in the German Fashion)
Italian, Milan
ca. 1510
Field Armor of King Henry VIII of England (reigned 1509–47), Steel, gold, textile, leather, Italian, Milan or Brescia

Field Armor of King Henry VIII of England (reigned 1509–47)

Italian, Milan or Brescia
ca. 1544
Armet, Missaglia workshop Italian, Steel, Italian, Milan
Armet
Missaglia workshop
ca. 1475

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