Close-Helmet for the Field and Tourney

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The style and design of the etched ornament are typically Brescian, though the confinment of the trophies to multiple narrow bands is highly unusual. The presence of a threded hle on the right side of the upper bevor indicates that this helmet was fitted with a reinforce, presumably for use in the tourney. The three front collar lames are associated; their decoration indicates that they belong to a large armor garniture in the Real Armería, Madrid, made in 1544 by Desiderius Helmschmid and etched by Ulrich Holzmann, both of Augsburg, for Emperor Charles V.

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