Morion for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
The electors of Saxony appear to have been the only German princes in the sixteenth century to outfit their bodyguards with matching equipment. The guards' helmets are etched and gilt on one side with the coat of arms of the dukedom of Saxony and on the other side with the crossed swords that signify the duke's office as archmarshal of the Holy Roman Empire. Originally, the gilt decoration was contrasted with black painted surfaces (some now polished bright). The black and gold derived from the Saxon coat of arms and were also the colors of the guards' uniforms. Both helmets were made by armorers in Nuremberg.
This example is dated 1568. The only dated morion of this series known, it establishes that the creation and use of the guard morions in the reign of August I (1553–86) occurred twenty to thirty years earlier than previously thought.
This example is dated 1568. The only dated morion of this series known, it establishes that the creation and use of the guard morions in the reign of August I (1553–86) occurred twenty to thirty years earlier than previously thought.
Artwork Details
- Title: Morion for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
- Date: dated 1568
- Geography: Nuremberg
- Culture: German, Nuremberg
- Medium: Steel, gold, brass, leather, textile
- Dimensions: H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); W. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); D. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 15 oz. (1775 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Purchase, Gift of William H. Riggs, by exchange, 1989
- Object Number: 1989.288
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
German, Nuremberg
ca. 1570
German, Nuremberg
ca. 1570
Martin Schneider the Younger
ca. 1570
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1600
German, Nuremberg
ca. 1600
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.