Introduction: The helmet under discussion is a faithful reproduction of the helmet on an armor made in France circa 1560 in the Mannerist style for King Henry II of France called ” Armure avec l’histoire de Pompée, autrefois dite d’Henri II.” From its detail, it appears to have been made from a two-piece cast of the original. The armor resides in the Louvre in Paris (MR 425 ; MS 117).  If a helmet such as this were ever available in the collectors market, in my opinion, it would sell for over five million dollars!

Discussion:  The Mannerist style of embossing was popularized by the designs of the French metal decorator Etienne Delaune (c1518–83). It was, of course, in France that such decoration was particularly popular. Today, we call it (misleadingly) the “Louvre School” of embossing, although we know that at least some of it was the work of the Flemish goldsmith Eliseus Libaerts. The Italians stopped decorating in the mannerist style from about 1560 to 1570s.

Embossing is the most elegant form of armor decoration. The first significant embossing is on Maximilian armor. Maximilian armor has the flutes hammered from the backside outward (see page 122 in my book). Other more recognizable embossed decorative armor did not flourish until circa 1520. The subject matter on most embossed items deal with the Italian Classics, which were prevalent during the Renaissance. For this reason, embossing was incorrectly attributed exclusively to Italian armor. It’s now understood that embossing was mainstream among armorers in Germany, Italy, and Flanders. Because of their similarities, it is difficult to accurately attribute which country or specific armorer is responsible for a piece’s creation. The only acceptable methods are: (A) signature, (B) maker’s mark, (C) written provenance, or (D) undeniable stylistic uniqueness such as that of the Negrolis, the most recognizable and best embossers in Renaissance Europe (see pages 128 and 199 in my book).

Conclusion: You will never be able to own an original helmet such as this. This is your only option. It’s a great conversation and study piece.

This helmet makes a statement when you see it across the room. It is reasonably priced at under $3K for a quick sale!!!*