North Italy, late 16th Century / c. 1575–1600
Morion
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Morion as arms and armor (North Italy, late 16th Century · c. 1575–1600).
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.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel with etched floral motif and medallion (on comb) with boar under oak tree.
The museum's collection notes: 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.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtMorionOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.