The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 25, 2023

Cavalry Spider Helmet

1600s

France, 17th century

Iron with black paint

Overall: 30.2 x 21.3 x 17.7 cm (11 7/8 x 8 3/8 x 6 15/16 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1921.1258

Location

210A Armor Court

Fun Fact

This helmet was made specifically for use in the field by the light cavalry who wore only a half suit of armor, sturdy riding boots, and an open helmet.

Description

The "spider-like" legs of this helmet protected the mounted soldier's face and head from slashing sword blows. The legs could be raised and locked up out of the way when not required.

Provenance
Pierre Lorillard Ronalds
-1921
Frank Gair Macomber; Boston
1921
American Art Association; (sale, November 1921); cat. #294.
1921-
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Oh
Citations
Gilchrist, Helen Ives. A Catalogue of the Collection of Arms & Armor Presented to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Mr. and Mrs. John Long Severance; 1916-1923. Cleveland: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 1924. Mentioned: p. 55, B41 archive.org
Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms and Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: The Museum, 1998. pp. 106-107, 165, cat. no. 67
Fliegel, Stephen N. Arms & Armor: The Cleveland Museum of Art. [Cleveland, Ohio]: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2007. cat. no. 68, p. 185
Exhibition history

Armor Court Reinstallation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1921.1258