Military helmet 1881 - 1882

Curator: At the Metropolitan Museum, we're looking at a late 19th-century military helmet. The maker is J.H. McKenney & Company. It seems to combine both metal and photographic elements in its construction. Editor: Stark! The matte black of the helmet contrasts sharply with the gleam of the gold accents and that spike. The artist creates visual interest using mixed materials and highly reflective surfaces. Curator: Absolutely. Consider this piece within the historical context of military attire at the time. Helmets like this would have been potent symbols of power and authority. McKenney's photographic elements allow soldiers to literally wear representations of important cultural symbols. Editor: I can certainly appreciate its formal dynamism! The dark dome of the helmet itself leads the eye upwards toward that dramatic spike, giving it verticality, while the ornamental plate and chain introduce intricate details. The use of symmetry with slight deviations makes you continue to visually inspect it. Curator: And notice how that ornament on the front acts almost like a coat of arms, displaying emblems of national identity or regimental affiliation. It reflects how deeply symbols mattered, fostering a sense of collective purpose within the military institution. Editor: The material properties of this object are quite rich, in texture as well as colour! The contrast created using gold accents elevates this otherwise basic composition to something more visually rewarding. It is so direct! Curator: Exactly. This helmet exemplifies how power can be both symbolized and materialized. McKenney & Company successfully combined those aims. Editor: I am also drawn to its aesthetic simplicity. The contrasting visual and textual qualities, when observed carefully, make you consider function and ornament within social contexts. Curator: I agree. Thinking about this helmet has helped me understand the dual roles that objects play. Editor: Agreed! Thanks, I have to appreciate something with that fine line of utilitarian objecthood and cultural meaning.