
Barbute with Hinged Nasal
An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art
Barbutes with hinged nasals are recorded in Italian paintings and miniatures, but only two helmets with surviving nasals are known, both from Chalcis. The other example is in the National Historic Museum, Athens.
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.