AUCTIONS IMPERIAL DECEMBER 2020
Lot 215:
Description
Known as a Schandmaske, or Mask of Shame, an instrument of torture and public humiliation, often for women whose behavior was considered “shrewish” or “scolding.”Finely wrought of iron in the form of a noted close helmet by Konrad Seusenhofer (d.1517 c.e.) made to order by Emperor Maximillian in 1511 for presentation to King Henry VIII. Designed to completely enclose the head, and entirely handwrought of iron, the skull set with a pair of finely-forged ram horns, the visor in the form of an infuriated face with well-modeled features and numerous piercings, with hinged, two-part cheeks which hook at the chin. Retains its blackened surface throughout. 16th century or later. Overall height 41cm. Condition III
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