Burgonet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Richly damascened in gold and silver, this helmet is decorated with five oval vignettes depicting exotic scenes, with Oriental figures on land and ships and oared galleys at sea. The extensive pictorial use of damascening on a smooth, rather than embossed, surface is highly unusual but relates to damascened iron furniture made in Milan in the second half of the sixteenth century. The shape of the burgonet is also noteworthy, the arched comb alluding to ancient Roman helmets. (The left cheekpiece is missing.)

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