Burgonet with Buffe

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The elegant shape and beautiful decoration of this helmet suggest that it was made in Italy under French influence. The unusually tall and backward-leaning comb along the top of the helmet, the form and attachment of the buffe (face defense), and the fine scrolls that border the etched bands are all characteristic of French armor in the 1550s. However, the style of the etching and the choice of motifs––widely spaced trophies of armor, weapons, and Classical symbols—are more typical of the best Italian armor of the period.

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