Christian Spor (Austrian, 1464-1495)
Innsbruck, Austria
Jousting Helm (Stechhelm)
INV-1117
Christian Spor (Austrian, 1464-1495)
Innsbruck, Austriac. 1480
Jousting Helm (Stechhelm)
Christian Spor (Austrian, 1464-1495) Innsbruck, Austria
suit-helmetarmor
Date
c. 1480
Medium
Steel, brass, and paint
Dimensions
44.5 × 31.8 × 40.6 cm (17 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 16 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
George F. Harding Collection
This heavy helm, weighing over 20 pounds, was completely impractical in battle but ideal for the joust. In order to be secured, the helm had a hinged steel strap that bolted to the front of the breastplate. Its deep, “frog-shaped” front, up to a half-inch thick, was designed to deflect a steel-headed lance. Inside was thick quilted padding with bands to secure the head from whiplash. The deep gouges around the throat and top of the helm bear witness to the force of the encounter.