Bit Boss

first half 17th century

Not on view

This boss, adorned with a spiral motif partly covered by foliage, decorated the side of a horse bit.

The exact same bosses, which seem to have been produced in high number in the first half of the 17th century, are visible on several portraits of King Charles I of England painted by Jan van Dyck for example

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Bit Boss
Date: first half 17th century
Culture: possibly Netherlandish
Medium: Copper alloy, gold
Dimensions: Diam. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm); Wt. 4.5 oz. (128 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.211
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Pair of Stirrups, Iron alloy, possibly Netherlandish or Spanish — Pair of Stirrups
possibly Netherlandish or Spanish
early 17th century

Two Shield Bosses (Umbos), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic — Two Shield Bosses (Umbos)
Western European, Langobardic
7th century

Rowel Spur (Left), Iron alloy, Netherlandish or Spanish — Rowel Spur (Left)
Netherlandish or Spanish
ca. 1650

Shield Boss (Umbo), Iron, copper alloy, gold, Western European, Langobardic — Shield Boss (Umbo)
Western European, Langobardic
7th century

Target Crossbow with Windlass, Steel, wood (possibly mahogany), copper alloy, staghorn, hemp, probably Belgian or Dutch — Target Crossbow with Windlass
probably Belgian or Dutch
tiller of crossbow, mid-18th century; bow, probably 19th century; windlass, ca. 1600–1750

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