Burgonet 1543

This steel burgonet was created by Filippo Negroli in Milan, Italy, sometime between 1530 and 1560. The helmet’s surface teems with figures of classical antiquity, and it represents the high point of the Milanese armorers’ art. The Negroli family were famous for their embossed parade armor, which catered to the fashion for classical styles popular among courtly elites. The elaborate decoration elevates this piece beyond mere protection, transforming it into a potent symbol of power and status. We can consider how the institutions of courtly life – tournaments, parades, and displays of military might – shaped the production of armor like this. The politics of imagery are evident in the choice of classical motifs, intended to associate the wearer with the glory of ancient heroes. To understand this object fully, we might consult contemporary accounts of courtly life, heraldic records, and the pattern books used by armorers. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.