AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE ITALIAN MORION C.1570-90

This magnificent helmet is a tour de force, a masterpiece of the Renaissance metal worker’s art, combining embossing with engraving to produce both high relief and fine detail. It is made in two pieces to facilitate the intricate work on the back of the plates which raises the metal surfaces in selected areas and patterns. Its proud comb rises from the base of the skull, its own profile superimposed on the skull, rather than extending the shape of the skull as with Northern European examples. The vast majority of decorated armor, even the finest, is etched: a process which chemically removes some of the metal surfaces, producing a contrast with the undisturbed metal. This helmet is hand engraved on embossed surfaces. Both techniques are labor-intensive and reserved for the finest examples. Combining the two techniques as seen here is very rare. The right side depicts a Roman Centurion in the crested helmet with a cloak over scale armor and is signed by the engraver with his initials. T