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Matrices

1220–72
Not on view
The European-style matrices carved on this stone are thought to have been used for the decoration of Crusader gear made of hardened leather (cuir-boille) or gesso. They may have decorated ailettes, small shields worn on the shoulders by Crusaders. The two elegant fish are mullet, Mullus barbatus.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Matrices
  • Date: 1220–72
  • Culture: German
  • Medium: Lithographic limestone
  • Dimensions: 8 7/8 x 4 x 2 1/2 in. (22.5 x 10.2 x 6.4 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Miniature
  • Credit Line: Gift of Clarence H. Mackay, Archer M. Huntington, Stephen H. P. Pell and Bashford Dean, 1928
  • Object Number: 28.99.10
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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