Bowl of a Sallet

Unknown

ca. 1510–15 · Steel, gold · Arms and Armor

Etching with acid is known to have been used for the embellishment of weapons since at least the thirteenth century, but the technique seems to have been applied to armor beginning in the late fifteenth century, several decades before it was adopted as a printmaking technique. Formerly gilt, the etched decoration on this example includes bands of foliage set against a diagonally hatched background. Similar ornament is found in contemporary Italian prints. The sallet was probably fitted with a large bellows visor pivoting at the sides and was intended for use by a light cavalryman.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1510–15

Medium

Steel, gold

Culture

Italian, probably Milan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bashford Dean Memorial Collection, Funds from various donors, 1929