Comb Morion
This morion matches a breastplate in the Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin, the deeply pointed waistline of which suggests a date for both pieces about 1580–90. The breastplate copies in steel a civilian doublet of textile, complete with buttons down the center. The decoration of raised bands outlined by rows of punched circles can thus be interpreted as an imitation of the strips of metallic braids applied over the seams of a textile costume. The high comb, deep V-shaped brim, and prominent use of decorative brass washers evoke comparisons with northern German armor of the so-called Brunswick school.
Artwork Details
- Title: Comb Morion
- Date: ca. 1580–90
- Geography: possibly Brunswick, Lower Saxony
- Culture: German, possibly Brunswick
- Medium: Steel, brass, leather
- Dimensions: H. 12 1/2 in. (31.75 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.13 cm); D. 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 15 oz. (1771 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.653
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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