Armet with Wrapper

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The armet was the typical headpiece of the Italian mounted knight in the fifteenth century. Completely enveloping the head, it was constructed of a bowl with separate brow reinforce, close-fitting cheekpieces hinged at the sides and closing at the chin, and a pivoting visor. The armet usually was worn with a secondary face defense, or wrapper, which covered the lower face and neck and prevented the visor from being struck open. The wrapper strapped around the armet and buckled at the back; the rondel projecting from the base of the bowl protected the straps and the closing of the cheekpieces at the back. The Museum's armet and wrapper are contemporary but associated. The bowl is struck on either side of the medial ridge at the back with a Brescian-style armorer's mark consisting of the letters IA (?) beneath the abbreviation sign. The wrapper bears the marks of the famous Missaglia family of Milan used before 1452: the letters MY beneath a crown and below, struck twice, an M beneath a split-legged cross. Both pieces were etched at a later date with arms said to be those of the Piombini family. (The visor is associated and the rondel is modern; the wrapper has been altered.)

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