Cabasset in Late 16th Century French Style
Unknown Artist
ca. 1870
Medium
Steel, gold, leather
Dimensions
H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 10 in. (25.4 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 8 oz. (1600 g)
Classification
Forgeries
Culture
French
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Accession Number
14.25.622
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the Arms and Armor gallery to admire this striking *Cabasset in Late 16th Century Style*, a steel helmet forged around 1870 to evoke the rugged defenses of Renaissance warriors. Measuring just 8¾ inches high and weighing a sturdy 3 pounds 8 ounces, this close-fitting morion-style helm features a peaked skull designed to deflect blows from swords or pikes—ideal for 16th-century infantry facing cavalry charges. Adorned with gold accents and a leather liner, it boasts decorative motifs of men and horses, capturing the chaos of period battles where foot soldiers clashed with mounted knig...