Comb Morion

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet is one of a series of etched morions that apparently were worn by the guard of the dukes of Hesse; the Metropolitan has one other example (acc. no. 29.158.49) and there are a dozen preserved in the Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt. Judging from the similarity in form, the use of the same rosette-shaped lead washers beneath the lining rivets on the exterior, and the pattern and style of etched decoration, the Darmstadt series was fabricated in the same center as another helmet in the Metropolitan Museum's collection, acc. no. 28.195.1.

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