Pair of Stage Rowel Spurs
These spurs, with their large and impractical rowels, formerly gilt, were worn by commedia dell'arte actors playing the role of Il Capitano or Capitan, a type of character found under various names through the commedia dell'arte repertoire. Capitan is a vainglorious soldier constantly boasting of titles and feats he never accomplished. His costume reflected this personality, featuring extravagant and oversized pieces of military clothing and accessories used to distract from his true cowardly nature. A print engraved by Gilles Rousset after Grégoire Huret, ca.1634-1640, represents one of the actors of the company of the Comédiens du Roi, based at the Hotel de Bourgogne in Paris, wearing the costume of the Capitan Matamore with similar spurs.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Stage Rowel Spurs
- Date: First half 17th century
- Culture: French
- Medium: Iron, gold
- Dimensions: 42.50.355; L. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); Diam. of rowel 6 in. (15.2 cm); Wt. 12.7 oz. (360 g); 42.50.356; L. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); Diam. of rowel 6 in. (15.2 cm); Wt. 12.1 oz. (343 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.355, .356
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Signature probably refers to Jean Drouart (French, Paris, died before October 1715)
dated 1712
Master GG (French, active Paris, ca. 1774)
hallmarked 1773–74
Louis Jaley (French, Saint-Etienne 1696–1773)
dated 1735
about 1640 to 1650
Blade signed by Clemens Horn (German, Solingen, 1580–1630)
1600–1625
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