A Fifteenth Century Barbute

[Ed]

This is probably my favorite piece. It is Italian, Venetian?, of a classic form and dates from 1450 or thereabouts. At one time it had a holder for decoration on the top and, originally, it was covered with velvet or some other fabric. There are lots of examples of this sort of helmet and a couple with the original coverings.

This example might have been reworked during it's active life around the face opening.

The word "Barbute" means "Beard" or "Bearded" and refers to the opening which would allow the wearer's beard to be exposed. The style is sort of a throwback to the Greek and some helmets of this time and place are reasonable replications of ancient Corinthian helmets. This one has the same general shape but does not have the nasal which is characteristic of that type of helmet.

What amazes me is the skill which the armorer used to shpe a billet of steel so perfectly. The shape and lines are pleasing far beyond what would be called for for mere function, this is what makes it a work of art.