Jun 29, 2025
Helmet shaped like a griffin. Milan, Italy, 1540-1545 AD.
This splendid Burgundian unfortunately represents the only surviving element of a parade armor probably Medicean executed around 1540-1545. The burnished and gilded iron mezail stamp simulates, in embossed form, a dragon's head topped with a serrated crest, the wide open mouth closed by a mobile bavaria representing the features of a face with a terrifying expression. A theme relating to the attraction of the mannerist taste for expressionism and the fantastic.
A feather holder is attached to the back of the stamp, while a necklace of interlacing runs over the gorget and covers it -neck is covered with stylized scales.