ticketsMember | Make a donation

Armet with Mask Visor

ca. 1520–25
Not on view
Helmets fitted with masklike visors were a popular German fashion about 1510 to 1540. Visors forged as humorous or grotesque human masks were often worn in tournaments held during the exuberant pre-Lenten (Shrovetide) festivals, celebrations somewhat akin to modern Mardi Gras. The deep cuts on the left side of this example suggest that it was used in a mock battle, or tourney, fought by groups of horsemen armed with lances and swords. The helmet's powerful sculptural form, technical accomplishment, and imaginitive conception demonstrate the armorer's virtuosity.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Armet with Mask Visor
  • Date: ca. 1520–25
  • Geography: Nuremberg; Innsbruck
  • Culture: German, Nuremberg or Austrian, Innsbruck
  • Medium: Steel
  • Dimensions: H. 10 in. (25.4 cm); W. 9 7/8 n. (25.1 cm); D. 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm); Wt. 7 lb. 2 oz. (3234 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.562
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Helm for the Joust of Peace (<i>Stechhelm</i>), Steel, copper alloy, German, probably Nuremberg
Helm for the Joust of Peace (Stechhelm)
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Armor of Emperor Ferdinand I (1503–1564), Kunz Lochner German, Steel, brass, leather, German, Nuremberg
Armor of Emperor Ferdinand I (1503–1564)
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
Portions of a Costume Armor, Kolman Helmschmid German, Steel, copper alloy, gold, German, Augsburg
Portions of a Costume Armor
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Morion for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, Steel, gold, brass, leather, German, Nuremberg
Morion for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
German, Nuremberg
ca. 1570
Morion for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony, Steel, gold, brass, leather, German, Nuremberg
Morion for the Bodyguard of the Prince-Elector of Saxony
German, Nuremberg
ca. 1570

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

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.