Pair of Child's Stirrups
The small size of these stirrups means that they were probably made for a child. Children from wealthy families would start riding lessons as soon as they could sit on a pony, usually around the age of 3. Horsemanship was an important component of European noble society, and children of the elite were expected to master the art of equitation. Moreover, as many nobles served in the cavalry, it was essential for them to be skillful riders by the time they were old enough to go to war
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Child's Stirrups
- Date: late 17th–18th century
- Culture: German or Spanish
- Medium: Iron
- Dimensions: Stirrup (n); H. 5 in. (12.7 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 5.2 oz. (147.4 g); stirrup (o); H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 5.5 oz. (155.9 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.705n, o
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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German; cuirass, Italian
ca. 1525 and later
German
ca. 1525
German
ca. 1520
probably German
ca. 1400–1430
North European, possibly northern Germany
10th century
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