NEGROLI, Filippo
(documented 1525-1551 in Milan)

Parade Helmet

1543
Steel and gold, height 24 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

This superb example of Italian Renaissance sculpture in steel was made by Filippo Negroli, the leading master of embossed armour in the antique style. The embossed ornament of acanthus scrolls inhabited by putti is inspired by classical prototypes. The reclining mermaid forming the comb of the helmet holds the head of Medusa, whose stare was reputed to turn the onlooker into stone.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.