There is no more splendid example of European dress as high political propaganda than the ceremonial armor made for the Hapsburg Holy Roman Emperors Maximilian I and Charles V and for Charles’ son, Philip II of Spain. They employed the greatest sculptural metalworkers on the continent... Such armor was rarely intended as practical protection during battle;
rather it had a starring role in parades, jousting tournaments and court
rituals and was favored attire for official portraits.
This helmet was crafted by Desiderius Helmschmid and is now in the collections of the Patrimonio Nacional, Real ArmerÃa, Madrid. Image via
Uncertain Times.
Top notch.
ReplyDeleteThis one is pretty interesting, too:
http://twonerdyhistorygirls.blogspot.ca/2011/08/horned-helmet-of-henry-viii-1514.html
You beat me to it.
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/v/05-jkGrYqDI
It has no eye-holes?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a hounskull bascinet with a very elaborate moveable visor. One assumes that he could lower the visor and still see, but this angle leaves a lot of questions.
Delete