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Half-Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)

ca. 1570–80
Not on view
This shaffron matches an Italian armor for man in the Metropolitan Museum (acc. no. 14.25.717) that is today mounted on horseback as part of the equestrian group in the main hall of the Arms and Armor Galleries. The slender bands etched with trophies of arms, vases, birds, and grotesque creatures on a dotted and blackened ground are typical decoration for Italian armor of the period. The shaffron is particularly noteworthy for preserving its original lining of coarse-woven linen filled with vegetable fiber. While nearly all armor was once lined in this way, very few original linings have survived. (The spike is modern; the gilding has been restored).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Half-Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense)
  • Date: ca. 1570–80
  • Geography: probably Milan
  • Culture: Italian, probably Milan
  • Medium: Steel, gold, brass, leather, linen (woven textile and fiber)
  • Dimensions: H. 15 1/4 in. (38.7 cm); W. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); D. 7 in. (17.8 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 11 oz. (1208 g)
  • Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1666
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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