Bit Boss

late 17th–early 18th century

Not on view

Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. This type of boss, with a classical decoration featuring scrolls and flowers circled by a leaf garland, was very popular in Western Europe around 1700.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Bit Boss
Date: late 17th–early 18th century
Culture: European
Medium: Copper alloy, gold
Dimensions: Diam. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); Wt. 2.6 oz. (73 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.226
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Rearing Horse, Bronze, with pale brown natural patina, remains of dark brown lacquer, European — Rearing Horse
European
19th century

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

Pendant with a Head of Jupiter, Agate cameo with an enameled gold mount set with diamonds, European — Pendant with a Head of Jupiter
European
19th century

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

Rapier, Steel, gold, silver, European — Rapier
European
ca. 1570–80

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

Send feedback

Content Notice

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world, and our online collection reflects ongoing work conducted over the course of our more than 150-year history. You may encounter objects or images that may be inappropriate for some viewers or information that may be outdated.