Door knocker in the shape of a salamander
The later Middle Ages was practically a second Iron Age, producing vast quantities of armor, weaponry and all manner of functional objects from nails to elaborate strap work hinges, ornate locks and household tools. A highly specialized craft, the best ironsmiths took pride in bringing decorative refinement to their works often elaborating surfaces that could not be seen and transfiguring the functional into the figural. These door knockers are fine examples of the wit, humor, and skill the best ironsmiths could bring to their products.
This door knocker is in the shape of a salamander with a long flat body, a pointed head, a lowered tail curled upwards all supported on four short legs. The surface is chiseled with wavy lines and short parallel curves indicating the animal's rough skin.
This door knocker is in the shape of a salamander with a long flat body, a pointed head, a lowered tail curled upwards all supported on four short legs. The surface is chiseled with wavy lines and short parallel curves indicating the animal's rough skin.
Artwork Details
- Title: Door knocker in the shape of a salamander
- Date: 15th or 16th century
- Culture: Spanish
- Medium: Wrought iron
- Dimensions: without tang: 7 1/2 × 1 11/16 × 1 1/2 in. (19.1 × 4.3 × 3.8 cm)
Overall with mounting (tang): 7 1/2 × 1 11/16 × 3 5/16 in. (19.1 × 4.3 × 8.4 cm) - Classification: Metalwork-Iron
- Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.433
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Spanish
1427–38
Spanish (?)
16th century
Spanish (?)
15th century
Spanish (?)
15th century
French or Spanish
late 15th or early 16th century
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