Cleveland Museum of Art

Morion

Date

c. 1575–1600

Medium

steel with etched floral motif and medallion (on comb) with boar under oak tree

Culture

North Italy, late 16th Century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The morion, an open helmet characterized by a tall comb and curved brim peaking before and after, was popularly associated with the Spanish conquistadors in the New World. In fact, morions were worn by infantry and light horsemen throughout Europe. They were also commonly worn by palace guards and thus often were decorated. This example has been beautifully etched over its entire surface. Armor this exquisitely decorated would not have been worn in battle, but used by palace guards for ceremonies and display. Amongst the swirling floral patterns on this helmet, there is scene of a boar under a tree in the center medallion of the comb that tops the helmet.

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