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Morion
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineMorion, c. 1575–1600. North Italy, late 16th Century. Steel with etched floral motif and medallion (on comb) with boar under oak tree; overall: 39 x 23.5 x 33 cm (15 3/8 x 9 1/4 x 13 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance, 1916.1808
