Evolution Medieval Helmets Armet Sallet (1 results)

This original antique print for sale depicts a series of medieval armor pieces, specifically designed for head protection, known as helmets. These helmets exhibit a variety of styles, each likely corresponding to a different period or purpose within the medieval era. The first helmet appears to be a classic armet, characterized by its smooth, round shape and pointed crest, suggesting it was used for jousting to deflect lances. The second piece looks to be a sallet, a war helmet with an extended tail to protect the back of the neck and a pronounced visor for facial protection. The third is a burgonet, recognizable by its open face design, offering a balance between protection and visibility. This title encompasses the progression and variety of designs that catered to the changing needs of medieval warriors over time. The colors have a nice glow over them. Historically, egg whites, known as glair, and sometimes egg yolk were indeed used in illumination and painting, particularly in manuscripts, to give colors a brighter appearance and to add a sheen or gloss to the work. This technique was quite common during the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image. Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces. In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.