Burgonet for a Cuirassier
The surfaces are somewhat crudely etched with an overall pattern of strapwork cartouches enclosing trophies, all set against a cross-hatched ground. The decoration and the distinctive profile of the helmet are typically French. The baluster-shaped finial at the apex and large rayed washer below it are features also found on contemporary Flemish helmets and appear to be a conscious revival of the applied helmet ornaments depicted in Burgundian tapestries of the late fifteenth century. This example once belonged to the celebrated English painter Sir Richard Cosway, R.A. (1740–1821), who collected arms and armor as studio props for his history paintings.
Artwork Details
- Title: Burgonet for a Cuirassier
- Date: ca. 1620–30
- Culture: French
- Medium: Steel
- Dimensions: H. 15 in. (38.1 cm); W. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); D. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 1 oz. (2749 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander McMillan Welch, 1929
- Object Number: 29.153.2
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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