Rowel Spur (Right)

15th century

Not on view

In the 15th century, rowel spurs with very long necks were of common use in Western Europe. At this period, the elevated war saddles and the very specific riding style, with long stirrup leathers and legs extended forward, had the consequence of taking away the rider’s feet from the horse’s flank. Thus, these long necks gave them easier access without having to disturb the rider’s position. As a knight’s status was closely related to his horse, spurs became one of the symbols of chivalry, and one of the tokens given to him during his knighting.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Rowel Spur (Right)
Date: 15th century
Culture: British
Medium: Iron alloy
Dimensions: L. 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm); W. 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm); Diam. of rowel 1 3/16 in. (3 cm); Wt. 8.7 oz. (246.6 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Object Number: 42.50.291
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Rowel Spur (Right), Copper alloy, iron, British — Rowel Spur (Right)
British
mid-15th century

Prick Spur, Iron alloy, Germanic — Prick Spur
Germanic
2nd–3rd century

Rowel Spur (Left), Iron alloy, silver, British — Rowel Spur (Left)
British
first half 17th century

Prick Spur (Left), Iron alloy, European — Prick Spur (Left)
European
probably 19th century

Tenor Recorder, Bassano Italian, Boxwood, Italian or British — Tenor Recorder
Bassano
ca. 1600

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.