Sallet

Description An open helmet, such as the sallet (from the Italian "celata," "head covering"), which does not encase the head or fasten to the armor, is cooler and allows the wearer to turn his head easily. However, the weight--here 6 lb. 3 oz.--is not distributed onto the shoulders but is borne entirely by the head and neck. The tiny holes are for rivets that attached a cloth lining. This style of sallet, fitted close to the head, was developed in Venice, but this example was produced in Milan, a center for the highest quality armor.

Provenance Sale, American Art Association, New York, November 19, 1921, no. 316; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1921 [mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1921