Burgonet

A burgonet is a lightweight helmet with a peak, tall comb and hinged cheek-pieces. It first appeared in Italy in the early 16th century. and was worn by both cavalry and infantry. This burgonet is remarkable for the richness and variety of its decoration, something for which the armourers of Milan were renowned. The peak, comb and neck-guard are covered with magnificent chased and damascened (inlaid gold) ornament that includes a seated warrior and figures of Fame and Victory.

The decoration is in the style of the workshop of Lucio Piccinino (born around 1535, active around 1570-1589) of Milan. Piccinino was an armour embosser and damascener. He had, claimed Paolo Morigia in his La Nobilita' di Milano, published in 1595, “in his ornamentation of iron in relief with figures, animals and grotesque masks, etc., and likewise in his damascened work, produced masterpieces which are among the most choice and precious.”

The embossing has stretched and thinned the metal surface (some cracks are evident). The lavish decoration and the thinness of the metal suggest the helmet was probably a parade helmet which, when set with plumes from the plume holder, would have created a spectacular display as part of a matching suit of armour.

Of all the possessions of the sixteenth century nobleman, none spoke more powerfully of his honour, wealth and status than his armour. The helmet was one of the main components in defensive armour, protecting the most important and most vulnerable part of the body. Helmets for tournaments and parades were decorated according to the latest fashion and their cost made them the preserve only of the very wealthy.

During the mid-16th century a new fashion emerged in Europe for arms and armour based on the forms found in classical art. High relief embossing and rich gold damascening decorated parade armour alla romana antica (in the ancient roman style).