Curb Bit
According to equestrian manuals, this mouthpiece, with its rounded elements called melons, was designed to ‘disarm’ the lips (they remove the thick lips from the bars, the part of the horses’ jaw without teeth, so that the mouthpiece can keep contact with them).
The bit, decorated with chiseled vegetal and grotesque Renaissance designs, would have been used during parades or luxurious equestrian games. It would have been combined with a richly decorated horse tack, possibly displaying similar ornaments.
Though the mouthpiece, the chain between the shanks, and the swivel rein rings, may incorporate some old elements, they are modern replacements.
The bit, decorated with chiseled vegetal and grotesque Renaissance designs, would have been used during parades or luxurious equestrian games. It would have been combined with a richly decorated horse tack, possibly displaying similar ornaments.
Though the mouthpiece, the chain between the shanks, and the swivel rein rings, may incorporate some old elements, they are modern replacements.
Artwork Details
- Title: Curb Bit
- Date: second half 16th century; 19th century
- Culture: North Italian
- Medium: Iron alloy, gold
- Dimensions: H. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 12.3 oz. (802.3 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of Alan Rutherfurd Stuyvesant, 1951
- Object Number: 51.170.5
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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ca. 1544
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dated 1543
Italian, Milan
ca. 1510
LIONARDO
ca. 1440
Italian
ca. 1580–85
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