Close-Helmet of Vicenzo I Gonzaga (1562–1612), Duke of Mantua

Unknown

ca. 1587 · Steel, gold, silver · Arms and Armor

Although incomplete––the face defense and collar lames are missing––this helmet is nevertheless an outstanding example of late-sixteenth-century Milanese armor. Its rich decoration, which is chiseled, punched, and damascened in gold and silver, includes eagles, crowns, and a monogram comprising the letters V and F (or VFL). An armor with identical decoration appears in a portrait of Vincenzo I Gonzaga (1562–1612), duke of Mantua (Palazzo Ducale, Mantua), thought to have been painted about 1587, the year of his accession. Other portions of this armor, which appears to have been a large garniture intended for field, mounted tournament, and foot combat at the barriers, are preserved in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris, and the Armeria Reale, Turin.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1587

Medium

Steel, gold, silver

Culture

Italian, Milan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913