Helmet (Basinet) with Detachable Visor

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most widely used head defenses of the fourteenth century, the bascinet went out of general fashion soon after 1400. The present example is of a rare late type distinguished by its deep and elegantly curved sides and by its centrally hinged, detachable visor. Especially in Germany, this form remained popular well into the first half of the fifteenth century and eventually influenced the development of another helmet type, the sallet, examples of which can be found in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. nos. 29.150.4a, 29.150.8a, 29.158.11).

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