Comb Morion

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This morion matches a breastplate in the Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, the deeply pointed waistline of which suggests a date for both pieces about 1580–90. The breastplate copies in steel a civilian doublet of textile, complete with buttons down the center. The decoration of raised bands outlined by rows of punched circles can thus be interpreted as an imitation of the strips of metallic braids applied over the seams of a textile costume. The high comb, deep V-shaped brim, and prominent use of decorative brass washers evoke comparisons with northern German armor of the so-called Brunswick school.

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