Siege Helmet
Unknown Artist
late 17th century
Medium
Steel, leather, textile
Dimensions
H. 11 3/16 in. (28.4 cm); W. 9 in. (22.9 cm); D. 15 1/4 in. (38.7 cm); Wt. 11 lb. 5.6 oz. (5148.3 g)
Classification
Helmets
Culture
probably French
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Accession Number
14.25.492
Art Historical Context
Step into the riveting world of late 17th-century warfare with this Siege Helmet, a masterful piece of protective gear likely crafted in France. Dating to an era of prolonged conflicts like the Nine Years' War, such helmets were essential for soldiers enduring the brutal hazards of sieges—artillery fire, falling debris, and close-quarters combat. Measuring just 11 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 15 inches deep, its compact form belies a formidable 11.5-pound weight, underscoring the physical toll on the wearer. Forged from durable steel, reinforced with leather and textile elements, the helme...