According to Solomon, the market for ancient arms and armour is heating up. ‘History buffs fall in love with the stories of these objects, while others fall in love with the craftsmanship. Looking at these helmets and breast-plates and back-plates and greaves [armour that protects the legs], often cast from bronze sheets, you can’t help but admire the technical prowess of the bronze castor.’
More and more collectors are treating arms and armour as sculpture — helmets, for example, can conveniently be displayed on a shelf, helmet stand or plinth. They’re also relatively inexpensive compared to the other sculptures in today’s secondary market.
This collection from the Mougins Museum of Classical Art boasts the world’s best selection of Roman and Greek helmets, a treasure trove of historical curiosities and spectacular design and workmanship. It may prove difficult, after witnessing it, to stop thinking about the Roman Empire.
