ca. 1555-60
Italy
Object qualities
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Objectarmor: Burgonet with buffe
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumSteel, gold, leather, textile
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SizeH. 13 3/4 in. (34.9 cm); H. of comb 3 in. (7.6 cm); W. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); D. 15 in. (38.1 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 6 oz. (2892 g)
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Geography detailsCountry of Origin
Italy -
Country today
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Dateca. 1555-60
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CultureItalian
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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The elegant shape and beautiful decoration of this helmet suggest that it was made in Italy under French influence. The unusually tall and backward-leaning comb along the top of the helmet, the form and attachment of the buffe (face defense), and the fine scrolls that border the etched bands are all characteristic of French armor in the 1550s. However, the style of the etching and the choice of motifs––widely spaced trophies of armor, weapons, and Classical symbols—are more typical of the best Italian armor of the period.