Burgonet in Oriental Fashion (Zischägge)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Despite the persistent threat of Turkish invasion in the sixteenth century, the courts in eastern and Central Europe were attracted to the exotic and colorful costumes and military equipment of their Ottoman enemies. Tournaments and parades in Turkish, or related Hungarian, fashion were held at the Hapsburg courts in Vienna and Prague by the mid-sixteenth century. This helmet provides evidence of that taste, as its fluted conical bowl, peak with sliding nasal (missing), large shaped cheekpieces (missing), and articulated neck plates (several missing) were copied directly from contemporary Turkish models. The surfaces are etched and gilt overall with decoration based on "Moresque" ornament of Oriental inspiration. A similar burgonet dated 1561, coming from the armory of the Prices Radziwill, is in Wawel Castle, Cracow.

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