Close Helmet from a Garniture Made for a Member of the d'Avalos Family

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet was originally part of a complete field armor made for a member of the d’Avalos family, probably Ferrante Francesco d’Avalos (1531–1571), marquis of Vasto, who served the king of Spain as governor of Milan (1560–63), viceroy of Sicily (1568–71), and commander-in-chief of Spanish forces in northern Italy. The only other surviving parts of the armor, in addition to the helmet, are a shoulder and arm defense in the Bavarian National Museum, Munich. The distinctive and finely executed decoration ranks among the best examples of Augsburg armor ornament from this 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