Burgonet with Buffe

Unknown

ca. 1555–60 · Steel, gold, leather, textile · Arms and Armor

The elegant shape and beautiful decoration of this helmet suggest that it was made in Italy under French influence. The unusually tall and backward-leaning comb along the top of the helmet, the form and attachment of the buffe (face defense), and the fine scrolls that border the etched bands are all characteristic of French armor in the 1550s. However, the style of the etching and the choice of motifs––widely spaced trophies of armor, weapons, and Classical symbols—are more typical of the best Italian armor of the period.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1555–60

Medium

Steel, gold, leather, textile

Culture

Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913