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Burgonet

Armorer Filippo Negroli Italian
dated 1543
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 374
This masterpiece of Renaissance metalwork is signed on the browplate by Filippo Negroli, whose embossed armor was praised by sixteenth-century writers as "miraculous" and deserving "immortal merit." Formed of one plate of steel and patinated to look like bronze, the bowl is raised in high relief with motifs inspired by classical art. The graceful mermaid-like siren forming the helmet's comb holds a grimacing head of Medusa by the hair. The sides of the helmet are covered with acanthus scrolls inhabited by putti, a motif ultimately derived from ancient Roman sculpture and wall paintings.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Burgonet
  • Armorer: Filippo Negroli (Italian, Milan ca. 1510–1579)
  • Date: dated 1543
  • Geography: Milan
  • Culture: Italian, Milan
  • Medium: Steel, gold, textile
  • Dimensions: H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); W. 7 5/16 in. (18.6 cm); D. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 2 oz. (1871 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.190.1720
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

Audio

Cover Image for 4407. Burgonet

4407. Burgonet

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