Pair of Rowel Spurs
This pair of spurs is an ironwork masterpiece. They are entirely adorned with geometrical and vegetal chiseled and pierced decoration, giving them a rich and sculptural aspect. They were certainly worn and kept as pieces of jewelry as much as being used as practical equestrian objects.
This type of chiseled and pierced decoration was used by the spur makers in eastern Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite their name, spur makers not only made spurs, but also all the small equestrian hardware like bits, stirrups, muzzles, cavessons or curry-combs, sometimes adorned with the same intricate decoration.
This type of chiseled and pierced decoration was used by the spur makers in eastern Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite their name, spur makers not only made spurs, but also all the small equestrian hardware like bits, stirrups, muzzles, cavessons or curry-combs, sometimes adorned with the same intricate decoration.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Rowel Spurs
- Date: second half 16th century
- Culture: German
- Medium: Iron alloy, tin
- Dimensions: Spur (a); L. 5 in. (12.7 cm); W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Wt. 6.1 oz. (172.9 g); spur (b); L. 5 in. (12.7 cm); W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Wt. 5.7 oz. (161.6 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1703a, b
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Southern German or Austrian
ca. 1500
probably German
ca. 1400–1430
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.