The rows of raised lobes along the sides of the comb and the edges of the visor and upper bevor are highly unusual, as is the boldly dentated edge of the comb. Combining Italian and German features, this helmet defies easy attribution. (The collar lames are missing.)
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Artwork Details
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Title:Close-Helmet for the Field
Date:ca. 1550
Culture:Western European
Medium:Steel
Dimensions:H. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm); W. 8 3/4 (22.2 cm); D. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm); Wt. 5 lb. 14 oz. (2656 g)
Classification:Helmets
Credit Line:Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number:42.50.47
William Meyrick, Esq., Hyde Park, London (by 1861–about 1880; sold with collection en bloc to Brassey); Henry Arthur Brassey, Apethorpe Hall, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England (about 1880–d. 1902; by descent to his son, Henry Leonard); Henry Leonard Campbell Brassey, Esq., First Baron Brassey of Apethorpe, Apethorpe Hall, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England (1902–1922; his sale, The Meyrick Arms & Armour, the property of Leonard Brassey, Christie, Manson, & Woods, London, February 21, 1922, no. 54, sold, for 230 gns., to Dean for Mackay); Clarence H. Mackay, Roslyn, NY (1922–d. 1938; his estate, sold through Seligmann & Co. to Grancsay); Stephen V. Grancsay, New York (by January 14, 1941–42; his gift to MMA).
New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "European Helmets 1450–1650: Treasures from the Reserve Collection," January 25, 2000–December 30, 2001, no. 36.
Christie, Manson & Woods. Illustrated Catalogue of the Distinguished Collection of Works of Art and Vertu from the Byzantine Period to that of Louis Seize, Collected by the late Ralph Bernal, Esq.. London: Christie's, London, March 5–April 30, 1855. no. 2538.
Meyrick, William Esq. Dr. An Illustrated Catalogue of Weapons and Detached Specimens of Armour, from the Collection of William Meyrick, Esq.. London: Joseph Clayton, 1861. no. 1.
Christie, Manson & Woods. Meyrick Arms and Armour Being the Collection Formed About the Middle of the 19th Century by the Late Dr. William Meyrick. London: Christie, Manson & Woods, February 21, 1922. lot 54.
Scalini, Mario. La Fortuna di Cosimo I, La Battaglia di Scannagallo. Arezzo, August 28–October 30, 1992. p. 84, figs. 5, 6.
Pyhrr, Stuart W. European Helmets, 1450–1650: Treasures from the Reserve Collection. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Jan 25, 2000 - Dec 30, 2000. p. 25, no. 36, ill.
Stamped with the armorer's name, LIONARDO (Italian, probably active in Milan, ca. 1440)
ca. 1440
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