Art Institute of Chicago
Jousting Helm (Stechhelm)
Christian Spor (Austrian, 1464-1495)
- Date
- c. 1480
- Medium
- Steel, brass, and paint
- Culture
- Innsbruck
- Department
- Applied Arts of Europe
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
This heavy helm, weighing over 20 pounds, was completely impractical in battle but ideal for the joust. In order to be secured, the helm had a hinged steel strap that bolted to the front of the breastplate. Its deep, “frog-shaped” front, up to a half-inch thick, was designed to deflect a steel-headed lance. Inside was thick quilted padding with bands to secure the head from whiplash. The deep gouges around the throat and top of the helm bear witness to the force of the encounter.
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Linked open data
Authority identifiers that link this record into the wider web of cultural data — stable references you can follow to the source.
- Object type
- AAT300209266
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