“Stop to admire this 16th-century close helmet, a masterpiece of defensive design and Renaissance craftsmanship. Its gleaming steel and articulated form reveal the sophisticated engineering behind a knight's head protection.”
This close helmet, made around 1560, is a striking example of Renaissance armor, designed to completely enclose a knight's head and neck for maximum protection in battle. The polished steel surface gleams, reflecting light with a subtle sheen that suggests both formidable strength and refined craftsmanship. Its form is precisely articulated, with distinct plates for the skull, visor, and gorget (neck guard), all working in concert to create a mobile yet secure defense. The helmet's design, with its narrow eye-slits and the way the visor can be raised, speaks to the specific needs of a warrior, balancing visibility with safety. It is a testament to the skill of the armorer, Pompeo della Cesa, who worked in Milan, a renowned center for armor production during this period. The helmet's robust construction and elegant lines offer a glimpse into the sophisticated military technology and aesthetic values of 16th-century Europe.
- Artist
- Pompeo della Cesa
- Date
- 1560
- Medium
- Steel, gold, brass
- Location
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Dimensions
- H. 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm); W. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); D. 11 in. (27.9 cm); Wt. 5 lb. 14 oz. (2665 g)
- Collection
- Arms and Armor
- Culture
- Italian, Milan
- Credit line
- Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The subtle curve of the skull, designed to deflect blows.
The narrow eye-slits, offering protection while still allowing vision.
The intricate gold and brass detailing along the edges.
The small rivets that hold the various steel plates together.
1 more detail is waiting.
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Pompeo della Cesa
1537–1610Master armorer who crafted gilded steel garnitures for Italian nobility in Renaissance Milan.
Further Works by della Cesa
Close Helmet with Falling Buffe
1565 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Backplate of an Armor for Vincenzo Luigi di Capua (d. 1627)
1570 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Portions of an Armor for Vincenzo Luigi di Capua (d. 1627)
1570 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Half Armor for the Foot Tournament
1585 · Cleveland Museum of Art
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Virgin and Child in a Church, also known as the Van Maelbeke Virgin
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Matteo Pagano · 1563 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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