Helmet of the Italo-Chalcidian Type, Anatomical Cuirass, and Left Greave

Unknown

late 5th–4th century BCE · Bronze, silver · Arms and Armor

This panoply comprises a matching ensemble of helmet, cuirass, and greave (shin guard), which are rare Etruscan works exemplifying the finest qualities of the form and decoration that characterize the greatest armors made in Etruria during the Classical period. In addition to exhibiting originality of design and exceptional workmanship, this ensemble occupies an important place in the historical development of Etruscan armor. It includes one of the finest Etruscan cuirasses known to survive and a helmet that has no parallels in the Ancient World. Very few Etruscan panoplies appear to have ever included anatomical cuirasses, and among the few specimen known to remain, many are extensively damaged or restored, unlike this example. The helmet, with its delicate embossed, chased, and engraved ornament, and its striking bronze and silver appliqués, is one of the most luxurious examples of a type found only in Etruria, and by far the best preserved representative of this exclusive group. It is most important, however, for its unparalleled construction with hinged cheekpieces that would have completely enclosed the wearer's face, and for the subtle modeling of the corresponding plates to follow the contours of the nose, cheekbones, and jaw. No other helmet with comparable features is known to exist.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 5th–4th century BCE

Medium

Bronze, silver

Culture

Etruscan, probably Vulci

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Louis V. Bell, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, and Rogers Funds and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest and Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Lauder, Friends of Arms and Armor and Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation Gifts, 2017