In the 15th century, rowel spurs with very long necks were of common use in western Europe. At this period, the elevated war saddles and the very specific riding style, with long stirrup leathers and legs extended forward, had the consequence of taking away the rider’s feet from the horse’s flank. Thus, these long necks gave them easier access without having to disturb the rider’s position. The small proportions of this pair compared to other examples may indicate it was used by a child or a youth.
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Artwork Details
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Title:Pair of Rowel Spurs
Date:15th century
Culture:possibly German
Medium:Copper alloy, gold
Dimensions:04.3.172; L. 7 in. (17.8 cm); W. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Wt. 3.8 oz. (107.7 g); 04.3.173; L. 7 in. (17.8 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); Wt. 4 oz. (112 g)
Classification:Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
Credit Line:Rogers Fund, 1904
Object Number:04.3.172–.173
Charles Maurice Camille de Talleyrand-Périgord, Duc de Dino, Paris (until 1904; sold to MMA).
Louisville, Ky. Speed Art Museum. "A Loan Exhibition of Equestrian Equipment from the Metropolitan Museum of Art," May 4–July 3, 1955, no. 82.
Seattle, Wash. Seattle Art Museum. "The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art," March 11, 1982–June 6, 1982, no. 37.
Denver, Colo. Denver Art Museum. "The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art," July 18–October 10, 1982, no. 37.
San Antonio, Tex. Witte Museum of the San Antonio Museum Association. "The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art," November 13, 1982–February 5, 1983, no. 37.
Minneapolis, Minn. Minneapolis Institute of Arts. "The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art," May 24–July 31, 1983, no. 37.
San Francisco. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. "The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art," November 5, 1983–January 28, 1984, no. 37.
Detroit, Mich. Detroit Institute of Arts. "The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from The Metropolitan Museum of Art," April 4–June 17, 1984, no. 37.
Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Museum of Art. "Songs of Glory: Medieval Art from 900–1500," January 22–April 29, 1985, no. 162.
Cosson, Charles Alexander. Le Cabinet d'Armes de Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, Duc de Dino. Paris: E. Rouveyre, 1901. p.51, E.11 (called: French, XV century).
Grancsay, Stephen V. A Loan Exhibition of Equestrian Equipment from the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Catalogue. Louisville, Ky.: Speed Art Museum, 1955. no. 82, ill. (04.3.172).
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Helmut Nickel, Stuart W. Pyhrr, Leonid Tarassuk, and American Federation of Arts. The Art of Chivalry: European Arms and Armor from the Metropolitan Museum of Art: An Exhibition. New York: The Federation, 1982. pp. 78–79, no. 37, ill.
Mickenberg, David. Songs of Glory: Medieval Art from 900–1500: An Exhibition. Oklahoma City, OK: Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 1985. p. 384–385, no. 162.
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