Morion-Burgonet
Artist
Hans Hörburger the Elder
(Innsbruck, Austria, recorded 1556 – 1588)
Dateabout 1565
Mediumsteel and iron
Dimensions26.7 × 21.6 × 39.4 cm (10 1/2 × 8 1/2 × 15 1/2 in.), 4 lb 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsThe armorer's mark, "HH" is stamped to the right of plume-pipe mounts at the rear of helmet.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.1054
DescriptionIn the Italian form, of 1 piece of white steel, cracked and delaminated in places. High, file-roped comb arises from well-formed, rounded skull, with recurving brim in flattened "S"-shape, sweeping to brow-and-nape peaks. These are finished in sharp points, and are fashioned with a defined medial ridge. Inwardly turned & roped edge extends about the perimeter of the helmet, except for a short length at the bend of the neck flange, where it is plain and unturned. Row of 24 lining-rivets with irregularly octagonal washers within encircles edge. At base of comb encircling the skull, are 16 rivets & washers set into rosettes. At posterior base of comb are fittings for missing plume-pipe. Cheekpieces, if fitted, were probably of triangular, laminated form, internally mounted. Rivets and washers look to be original.Label TextGood plate armor was always an expression of personal taste and breeding. This helmet is a typical Renaissance style, but heavily influenced by Renaissance images of classical antiquity--compare the helmets on the Roman figures in the adjoining case. As a well-educated Elizabethan gentleman was expected to know Latin, a well-educated officer was expected to be familiar with Roman military practice--a concept evoked in the classicizing lines of this elegant piece.ProvenanceSir Guy F Laking (England) H. Furmage (London). Purchased by John W. Higgins on 10 June 1931, from H. Furmage (London). Given to Armory 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Southern German
about 1550
