Close Helmet for Foot Combat

the Master of the Castle Mark

ca. 1600–1610 · Steel, gold, leather · Arms and Armor

This helmet was intended for use in a tournament fought on foot over a waist-high barrier. Because it was made for the tournament, it is about twice as heavy as a battle helmet of the same period. The presence in the decoration of the distinctive Savoy knot, an emblem of the Order of the Annunciation, indicates that the helmet was made for a member of the house of Savoy, perhaps Duke Emanuele Filiberto (1588–1624). A complete armor for foot combat with identical decoration is in the Museo Civico, Brescia.

Artist

the Master of the Castle Mark

Date

ca. 1600–1610

Medium

Steel, gold, leather

Culture

Italian, Milan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913