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Shaffron and Crinet (Horse's Head and Neck Defenses)

Armorer Attributed to Romain des Ursins Italian
ca. 1480–95, with 19th century restorations
Not on view
This is a rare example of a late Gothic shaffron preserved with its matching crinet. The combination of the shaffron's slender, pointed shape and its radiating ridges, together with the Italian-style armorer's marks, suggests that it is a work alla tedesca (in the German fashion) by an Italian master. The mark, an orb surmounted by a cross above the letters ROM ROM, has been attributed to the Milanese armorer Romain des Ursins, who appears to have supplied armor to the French court. (The ear and eye guards, bottom lame of the crinet, and mail fringe are ninteenth-century restorations.)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shaffron and Crinet (Horse's Head and Neck Defenses)
  • Armorer: Attributed to Romain des Ursins (Italian, Milan, recorded in Lyon 1493–95)
  • Date: ca. 1480–95, with 19th century restorations
  • Culture: Franco-Italian
  • Medium: Steel, textile
  • Dimensions: 14.25.1661a (shaffron); H. 24 7/8 in. (63.2 cm); W 13 in. (33 cm); D. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 4 oz. (1918 g); 14.25.1662 (crinet); L. 33 7/8 in. (85.9 cm.); W. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm); Wt. 9 lb. 10 oz. (4360 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1661a, .1662
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Crinet, Romain des Ursins Italian, Steel, Franco-Italian
Crinet
Romain des Ursins
ca. 1480–95; bottom lame and mail fringe, restored ca. 1863–1900
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense), Romain des Ursins Italian, Steel, textile, Franco-Italian
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
Romain des Ursins
ca. 1480–95; ear guards, eye guards, and plume holder, 19th century restorations
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Henry II of France, When Dauphin, Romain des Ursins Italian, Steel, gold, brass, Franco-Italian
Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Henry II of France, When Dauphin
Romain des Ursins
ca. 1490–1500, redecorated 1539
Armor, Steel, copper alloy, textile, leather, Italian
Armor
Italian
ca. 1400–1450 and later
Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head, Steel, copper, gold, glass, pigment, textile, Italian
Sallet in the Shape of a Lion's Head
Italian
ca. 1475–80

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