Close Helmet for the Tilt

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The helmet is part of a richly decorated armor made for one of the princes Radziwill of Poland for use in the field and the tournament. The Polish eagle appears in the etched ornament; the date 1573 is etched on another piece from this same armor, which is in the Art Institute of Chicago.

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