Complete Description

A Greek bronze Chalcidian helmet,

5th century B.C.

Casque grec en bronze de type chalcidien avec des couvre-joues fabriqués séparément, une coque basse et une protection de nuque abaissée derrière l'oreille. La calotte est limitée par un talon remontant sur le front. La courte narine en forme de lancette est ornée d'un profil latéral qui se prolonge au-dessus des sourcils et s'y élargit. Une applique de Scylla ornait le front. Inscription poinçonnée sur la protection de nuque.

Haut.: 33 cm

Provenance:

Collection particulière, Munich

Gorny & Mosch, Auktion 184, Munich, 18 décembre 2009: n°27 (ill.)

Collection Christian Levett, Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins

Exhibitions:

Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM), Mougins, France, juin 2011-août 2023 (Inv. n° MMoCA484)

Bibliography:

Gorny & Mosch, Auktion 184, Munich, 18 décembre 2009, lot 27

Comment:

This Chalcidian-type helmet appears in the 6th century BCE and seems to derive from the Corinthian model. It constitutes a characteristic element of the hoplite’s equipment at a time when armour was becoming lighter. It is distinguished by a hemispherical bowl to which a pair of cheek guards (Paragnathis) are attached by means of small articulated hinges, thus allowing for better breathing by leaving the wearer’s face more exposed.

Moreover, the cutouts located on either side of the nose guard significantly improve the field of vision. Unlike the Corinthian helmet, these openings also free the ears, restoring the wearer’s hearing and facilitating communication on the battlefield.

The back of the head is protected by a neck guard, here decorated with an inscription in Greek letters punched in two lines. This type of helmet spread widely throughout the Mediterranean basin, from Magna Graecia to Italy.