Pair of Bit Bosses
Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. The center of these bosses is adorned with an openwork fleur-de-lis circled by a wreath, while the rim displays a frieze of pointed lobes.
This object belongs to a large group of bosses using a series of rims and centers combined in different ways. The exact center of production of these bosses is still unclear. If the motifs used are Italian, the scale of the production and the process of combining a series of rims and center recalls contemporary German practices. Some of them, however, are identical or very similar to bosses seen in several early 17th-century Netherlandish paintings, a likely origin for the manufacture of these objects.
This object belongs to a large group of bosses using a series of rims and centers combined in different ways. The exact center of production of these bosses is still unclear. If the motifs used are Italian, the scale of the production and the process of combining a series of rims and center recalls contemporary German practices. Some of them, however, are identical or very similar to bosses seen in several early 17th-century Netherlandish paintings, a likely origin for the manufacture of these objects.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Bit Bosses
- Date: first half 17th century
- Culture: probably Netherlandish
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: 42.50.187; Diam. 3 in. (7.6 cm); Wt. 2.2 oz. (62 g); 42.50.188; Diam. 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm); Wt. 2 oz. (56 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.187–188
- 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.
probably Dutch
ca. 1630
Netherlandish
first half 17th century
Dutch
ca. 1650–60
probably Dutch
ca. 1650–60
Leonardus Graeff
ca. 1675–85
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.