Sallet

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Intended for infantrymen, sallets of this distinctive type are found in large numbers in the armory of the dukes of Medinaceli in the Museo Ejercito, Madrid. Some of them are struck with Milanese-style marks, suggesting they may have been made in Italy for export to Spain; alternately, they may have been made in Spain and marked in imitation of the more prestigious and expensive Italian originals. This example, which is unmarked, retains the fragment of an iron plume-holder(?) at the front and appears to have been painted.

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