Barbute

Pietro da Castello

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Most Italian barbutes have a T-shaped face opening. The rounded eye openings and pointed nasal of this helmet are very unusual. It is stamped with two marks, a castle and the letter P beneath a split cross, identified as the armorer Pietro da Castello (documented in Brescia from 1469 to 1486, died before 1498).

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art