Helmet
Unknown Artist
ca. 1510
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
H. 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm); W. 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm); D. 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 4.4 oz. (1939.1 g)
Classification
Helmets
Culture
German
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Accession Number
14.25.671a
Art Historical Context
This striking steel helmet, crafted in Germany around 1510, exemplifies the pinnacle of late medieval armor-making during the Renaissance transition. Measuring about 10½ inches high and weighing just over 4 pounds, was designed for maximum protection without sacrificing mobility—essential for knights and soldiers in the turbulent Holy Roman Empire. German armorers were renowned for their innovative forging techniques, hammering high-quality steel into form-fitting shapes that could deflect blows from swords, lances, and early firearms. Though the artist remains unknown, the helmet's robust co...