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

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