Costume Armor in the Classical Style

Costume Armor in the Classical Style

Costume Armor in the Classical Style

Maker:Helmet includes original paper label of Hallé (French, Paris, active ca. 1780–1800)
Date:ca. 1788–90
Geography:Paris
Culture:French, Paris
Medium:Linen, papier-mâché, bole, gold leaf, graphite (helmet); silk, cotton, metal coils and spangles, metallic yarn (tunic)
Dimensions:armor: H. 26 3/4 (68 cm); W. 22 7/16 (57 cm); D. 11 in. (28 cm); helmet: H. 15 3/4 (40 cm); W. 7 11/16 (19.5 cm); D. 13 3/4 in. (35 cm)
Classification:Costumes
Credit Line:Funds from various donors, 1988

Pageants in pseudoclassical dress were popular in Europe from the sixteenth through the eighteenth century. An elaborate costume of the kind displayed here may have been worn for a theatrical performance or a court festivity, such as a ball or carousel in which the theme was taken from classical mythology or history. The embroidered tunic represents an embossed bronze cuirass of the type worn by high-ranking Roman officers. The stylized Greek helmet is richly decorated with mythological and allegorical figures. Inside the helmet is the original paper label that identifies the Parisian maker as Halle dit Mercier and advertises his ability to provide helmets, shields, masks, costumes, and scenery for any occasion.

Provenance

Georges Pauilhac, Toulouse (until d. 1958; by inheritance to his granddaughter; his sale, Chassaing & Rivet Commissaires Priseurs, Hô tel des Ventes Saint-Georges, Toulouse, March 23, 1983, no. 85); Anonymous (until 1987; Versteigerung wertvoller antiker Waffen, seltener Militaria und bedeuntender historischer Sammlungsstücke sale, Mars & Merkur GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, May 23, 1987, no. 86, to an anonymous buyer); Anonymous (1987–1988; sold through Mars & Merkur Kunsthandels GmbH to MMA, 1988)