Pointed Morion
In contrast to the bold sculptural forms of earlier Milanese parade armor (for example, acc. no. 20.150.2), embossed armor made in the second half of the sixteenth century was flatter and more pictorial, often with entire figural scenes from prints reproduced on the steel surfaces. The costumes are invariably gold-damascened, the skin of the figures is silvered. This example is embossed on both sides with variant scenes depicting the Roman hero Mucius Scaevola placing his hand in the fire before King Porsena.
This distinctive form of lightweight infantryman's helmet, characterized by an almond-shaped bowl with turned-back point at the apex and a short brim, is referred to in contemporary English documents as a "Spanish morion." The term alludes to the common use of such helmets by Spanish troops rather than their place of manufacture, which was usually Italy.
This distinctive form of lightweight infantryman's helmet, characterized by an almond-shaped bowl with turned-back point at the apex and a short brim, is referred to in contemporary English documents as a "Spanish morion." The term alludes to the common use of such helmets by Spanish troops rather than their place of manufacture, which was usually Italy.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pointed Morion
- Date: ca. 1560–70
- Geography: Milan
- Culture: Italian, Milan
- Medium: Steel, copper alloy (brass), gold, silver, leather
- Dimensions: H. 9 3/4 in. (24.8 cm); W. at base 9 5/16 in. (23.7 cm); D. at base 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 15 oz. (1341 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.620
- 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.
Stamped with the armorer's name, LIONARDO (Italian, probably active in Milan, ca. 1440)
ca. 1440
Filippo Negroli (Italian, Milan ca. 1510–1579)
dated 1543
ca. 1510
ca. 1544
ca. 1430–40
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
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 contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.