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The domed center of this boss is decorated with a frieze of alternating cherubs’ heads and grotesque masks, circled by volutes and palmettes on the rim.
Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. The hat-shape design, probably inspired by ancient shield bosses excavated at the time, was very popular in Italy and France in the 16th and early 17th century
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Title: Bit Boss
Date: second half 16th–early 17th century
Culture: Italian
Medium: Copper alloy, gold
Dimensions: Diam. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); Wt. 4.8 oz. (135 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.214
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