Rowel Spur (Left)
The neck and arms of this luxurious spur are chiseled all over with a diaper pattern, the faceted diamond bosses silvered on a golden background. The points of the fragile rowel are shaped as very delicate palmettes. The three circular tabs with hooks feature the gilded profile of a young boy with a ruff collar on a silvered background. These heads seem inspired by the medal of the Infante Carlos, son of Philip II of Spain, aged 12, made in 1557 by Pompeo Leoni.
The decoration and the fragility of this spur indicate that it was meant to be used in a festive or ceremonial context. For carousels and other equestrian games, noble riders would commission for themselves and their horses splendid outfits and tacks covered with elaborate motifs often repeated on the different elements composing them.
The decoration and the fragility of this spur indicate that it was meant to be used in a festive or ceremonial context. For carousels and other equestrian games, noble riders would commission for themselves and their horses splendid outfits and tacks covered with elaborate motifs often repeated on the different elements composing them.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rowel Spur (Left)
- Date: ca.1560
- Culture: Italian
- Medium: Copper alloy, gold, silver
- Dimensions: L. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm); W. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Wt. 4.4 oz. (124.7 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1733
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Italian, Milan
ca. 1510
LIONARDO
ca. 1440
Italian, Milan or Brescia
ca. 1544
Filippo Negroli
dated 1543
Italian, Milan
ca. 1570
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