Closed Burgonet

Kolman Helmschmid

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet combines features common to burgonets, notably the projecting peak and falling buffe, with close-helmet construction, in which all elements of the face defense pivot together at the sides of the bowl. Closed burgonets in the fluted style are particularly rare. This finely made example is etched in the manner of Daniel Hopfer (1471–1536) of Augsburg and may have been made by Kolman Helmschmid, the leading armorer of his generation, with whom Hopfer seems to have been associated.

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