Stirrup for a Child
Some decorative features of this stirrup, like the pierced ‘window’ motif on the sides, are typically Bohemian, but were also sometimes adopted by surrounding regions like eastern Germany. This stirrup reproduces in bronze more common examples made of twisted and pierced iron. The animal heads at the front are more unusual, and take advantage of the greater malleability of this material.
The small size of this stirrup means that it was probably made for a child. Children from wealthy families would start riding lessons as soon as they could sit on a pony, usually around the age of 3. Horsemanship was an important component of European noble society, and children of the elite were expected to master the art of equitation. Moreover, as many nobles served in the cavalry, it was essential for them to be skillful riders by the time they were old enough to go to war.
The small size of this stirrup means that it was probably made for a child. Children from wealthy families would start riding lessons as soon as they could sit on a pony, usually around the age of 3. Horsemanship was an important component of European noble society, and children of the elite were expected to master the art of equitation. Moreover, as many nobles served in the cavalry, it was essential for them to be skillful riders by the time they were old enough to go to war.
Artwork Details
- Title: Stirrup for a Child
- Date: second half 15th century
- Culture: German or Bohemian
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.62 cm); W. 3 1/8 in. (7.94 cm); Wt. 7 oz. (198.45 cm)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Stirrups
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.429
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
German
ca. 1450
Peter Peck
Ambrosius Gemlich
ca. 1540–45
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 complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.