Bit Boss with Adam and Eve

late 16th–17th century

Not on view

The central part of this bit boss, an ornamental element decorating the side of a horse bit, depicts Adam and Eve eating fruits given by the serpent, a lion walking behind the tree. This scene is directly inspired by a 1540 engraving by Heinrich Aldegrever, The Temptation of Adam and Eve, made after a drawing by Hans Brosamer. The same composition was also used by German founders on several contemporary bronze plaquettes.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Bit Boss with Adam and Eve
Date: late 16th–17th century
Culture: German, Bohemia or Saxony
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: Diam. 3 3/16 in. (8.1 cm); Wt. 3.7 oz. (104 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.179
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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