Close Helmet of the "Maximilian" Style
A close helmet encloses the head (as opposed to a sallet). This type combines the rounded Italian shape with the crisp, vertical fluting, crest, and corded borders that evolved from German late-medieval armor. The fluting deflected projectiles and made the plate stronger without adding weight. At 5 lb. 11.7 oz., this piece is not heavy for a close helmet.
The style is associated with Emperor Maximilian I (reigned 1493-1519), Archduke Albert's famous ancestor, who was keenly interested in improving armor technology.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Sale, American Art Association, New York, November 19, 1921, no. 307; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1921 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Geographies
Germany, Nuremberg (Place of Origin)
Measurements
12 7/16 x 9 1/8 x 13 in. (31.6 x 23.2 x 33 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters, 1921
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
51.465