I would say this helmet is inspired by the animal crested helmets depicted on monuments like the Portonaccio-sarcophagus, Aurelian frieses on the Arc of Constantine etc. as well by the original helmets like Theilenhofen etc. But as the crests are mostly depicting eagles or griffins this movie-helmet might be born out of the film makers fantasy.
I never saw a depiction of a wolf-crest in Roman art (or at least cannot remember it) so I would say it is not based on a certain find or monument.
You are probably correct. However as most other items in the same film appear to be based on something I am not so sure this has been made up, especially as it is so prominent. It is probable it may be based on an antiquarian interpretation or is a modern misinterpretation of an ancient source.
Graham.
"Is all that we see or seem but a dream within a dream" Edgar Allan Poe.
"Every brush-stroke is torn from my body" The Rebel, Tony Hancock.
"..I sweated in that damn dirty armor....TWENTY YEARS!', Charlton Heston, The Warlord.
If I had to guess(not Really) I would say that was Caesar and Cleopatra with Claude Rains and the incomparable Vivien Leigh from 1945? though I can honestly say I haven't seen the film for decades..... do I get a prize
Oh and the guy wearing the helmet IS Claude Rains playing Caesar :wink:
Who cares about History and fancy headgear when you've got Vivien Leigh anyway? you've been looking at too many helmets Graham
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
I think your right about the helmet being something from art though I cant think where at the moment, I'm certain I've seen something very much like this though it may not be classical art but somewhat later... still
Felt sure that was Claude Rains maybe him and Basil are related...so I only get half a point ohh well
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
I happened to be at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston taking in a Roman gallery talk on Roman imagery and society.
I happened to notice this Gladiator dude with a helmet crest that looks similar to the movie helmet you posted.
Figured you'd get a kick out of it.
The Museum tag says
"Knife Handle in shape of Gladiator" Roman Imperial Period 1st-2nd Centuries AD
Bronze
Edwin Jack Fund #1984-142
Andy Volpe
"Build a time machine, it would make this [hobby] a lot easier." https://www.facebook.com/LegionIIICyr/
Legion III Cyrenaica ~ New England U.S.
Higgins Armory Museum 1931-2013 (worked there 2001-2013)
(Collection moved to Worcester Art Museum)