Artwork Page for Visored Sallet

Details / Information for Visored Sallet

Visored Sallet

c. 1490–1500

Germany

Medium
steel
Measurements
Overall: 21 x 25 x 42 cm (8 1/4 x 9 13/16 x 16 9/16 in.)
Weight: 2.48 kg (5.47 lbs.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2014.393
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print
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Did You Know?

Medieval sallets were design inspiration for modern-day fireman's helmets.

Description

The sallet is a partly open-face helmet common in Europe during the 1400s, used in both equestrian and infantry versions. Sallets with movable visors, like this example, are considered to be more technically and visually interesting; beautifully streamlined, it assumes a highly sculptural teardrop shape. Originally it would have been part of a complete suit of armor. The sallet became the quintessential helmet form of the late Middle Ages and is frequently represented in medieval miniatures and woodcuts.
A steel helmet features a smooth, rounded crown with a central ridge. Facing left, a movable visor is secured by decorative, flower-shaped rivets above the ears. A twisted, rope-like border edges the visor and the flared neck guard. Small circular rivets trace the base of the crown. The polished silver surface reflects light across its sleek contours, emphasizing the armor's refined form and the subtle variations in the metal's texture.

Visored Sallet

c. 1490–1500

Germany

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