Close-Helmet for the Tournament on Foot

the Master of the Castle Mark

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet comes from a garniture made by the Maestro dal Castello (Master of the Castle), so named for the castle mark found at the top of the breastplate on this and other examples of his work. He was probably a follower of the great Milanese armorer Pompeo della Cesa (recorded 1572–1593). Among the patrons of the Maestro dal Castello were the dukes of Savoy and King Philip III of Spain. The helmet for the tournament is from an unidentified garniture.

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