Close-Helmet for the Tournament on Foot

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This helmet belongs to a series of foot-combat armors made for the Saxon court at Dresden during the reign of Prince-Elector Johann Georg I (1611–56). Numerous cuts on the left side give evidence of its active service in knightly contests. The helmet bowl retains portions of its original lining straps and cross-straps and the bevor has its chin pad of canvas stuffed with cotton.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art