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Barbute (from the Venetian Garrison at Chalcis)
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
This is a rare example of a type of helmet used from about 1350 to 1480. Its conical shape deflected glancing blows to the head. Italian chronicles refer to professional men-at-arms as barbuti . The word derives from the Italian barba , or beard, a reference to the hood of mail often attached to these early helmets. The row of small holes along the face opening and neck were for the attachment of the hood and lining.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineBarbute (from the Venetian Garrison at Chalcis), c. 1350–1420. North Italy, 14th-15th century. Iron; overall: 29 x 21 x 25 cm (11 7/16 x 8 1/4 x 9 13/16 in.); sleeves: 43.2 cm (17 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance, 1923.1065
