Sallet of Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519)

Lorenz Helmschmid

ca. 1490–95 · Steel, copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

This sallet was a new type probably invented by Lorenz Helmschmid for Emperor Maximilian I (1459–1519) around the time he became head of the Holy Roman Empire in 1493. Its construction, with the falling buffe (chin defense) pivoting on the same points as the visor, anticipates the development of close helmets around 1510. The gilt fleur-de-lis trim, which originally bordered the entire helmet, is a typical late Gothic decoration on armors of high quality and is found on several that belonged to Maximilian and other members of the Habsburg court.

Artist

Lorenz Helmschmid

Date

ca. 1490–95

Medium

Steel, copper alloy, gold

Culture

German, Augsburg

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1929