Sallet
Unknown Artist
late 15th century
Medium
Steel, copper alloy, leather
Dimensions
H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm); D. 15 in. (38.1 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 11 oz. (2126 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
25.135.62
Art Historical Context
Step into the late th-century world of German with this striking *S*, a helmet exemplifying pinnacle of medieval armor craftsmanship Originating from Germany during time of intense European conflicts the wars against Burgundy and Ottoman advances—this open-faced helmet was designed for agile combatants, offering vital protection to the head and neck while allowing clear vision and breathability. Its distinctive shape, with a rounded skull, flared visor peak, and extended tail, marked an evolution from earlier bascinets, bridging the gap to fully enclosed Renaissance helmets. Crafted from robu...