'Vilardell slays a griffin', c.1329. Portal of Saint Iu, Barcelona Cathedral, Spain.

A larger image of 'Vilardell slays a griffin', c.1329. Portal of Saint Iu, Barcelona Cathedral, Spain.
Photo by Mutari

ca. 1329 - 'Vilardell slays a griffin', Portal de Sant Iu, Catedral, Barcelona, Spain
St. Vilardell is armed in a typical Catalan manner. He carries his sword on a baldric, reflecting Moorish influence. Note the half rerebraces and vambraces protecting his arms and his legs completely encased in plate armour and the relatively light 'chapel-de-fer' helmet. The big cylindrical helmet or 'heaume' never became popular in Spanish territory.