Bit Bosses
These bosses, adorned with a spiral motif partly covered by foliage, decorated the sides of a horse bit.
The exact same bosses, which seem to have been produced in high number in the first half of the 17th century, are visible on several portraits of King Charles I of England painted by Jan van Dyck for example.
The exact same bosses, which seem to have been produced in high number in the first half of the 17th century, are visible on several portraits of King Charles I of England painted by Jan van Dyck for example.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bit Bosses
- Date: first half 17th century
- Culture: probably Netherlandish
- Medium: Copper alloy, gold
- Dimensions: 42.50.212; Diam. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Wt. 5.3 oz. (149 g); 42.50.213; Diam. 3 7/16 in. (8.7 cm); Wt. 4.8 oz. (136 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.212–213
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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probably Dutch
ca. 1630
Netherlandish
first half 17th century
Dutch
ca. 1650–60
Leonardus Graeff
ca. 1675–85
probably Dutch
ca. 1650–60
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