Pair of Stirrups
These heavy iron cross-form stirrups are decorated in low relief with goats and birds among stylized vegetation. The arms of the crosses display large spiraled circles flanked by palmettes.
Estribos de cruz, as they are called in Spanish, were particularly popular in Mexico during the 18th century, and were used by cavalry. Oversized and very heavy, many of them feature extravagant decoration, sometimes enriched with silver elements. Horses were already at this time a mark of social status in Mexican society, and the display of rich, beautiful, and shiny horse tack was a way to highlight this fact. Despite (or perhaps because of) its popularity, however, this type of stirrup was officially forbidden for soldiers by royal decree in 1772, and then completely in 1778, mostly because of the danger they presented to bystanders.
Estribos de cruz, as they are called in Spanish, were particularly popular in Mexico during the 18th century, and were used by cavalry. Oversized and very heavy, many of them feature extravagant decoration, sometimes enriched with silver elements. Horses were already at this time a mark of social status in Mexican society, and the display of rich, beautiful, and shiny horse tack was a way to highlight this fact. Despite (or perhaps because of) its popularity, however, this type of stirrup was officially forbidden for soldiers by royal decree in 1772, and then completely in 1778, mostly because of the danger they presented to bystanders.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of Stirrups
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: Mexican
- Medium: Iron
- Dimensions: 37.187.1: H. 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm); W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); D. 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm); Wt. 8 lb. 1.1 oz. (3659.9 g); 37.187.2: H. 18 1/4 in. (46.4 cm); W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); D. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); Wt. 7 lb. 11.4 oz. (3498.3 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
- Credit Line: Gift of Abraham Silberman, 1937
- Object Number: 37.187.1–.2
- 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.
Mexican
ca. 1750
Mexican
18th century
Smith & Wesson
Tiffany & Co.
1881–1902
South Mexican or Guatemalan
19th century
Mexican
first half 18th century
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.