Parade Saddle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The German inscriptions are a romantic dialogue and translate in part, "I hope for dear summertime; wait––be willing [in favor of] me; smile, love, smile." The lady holds a falcon, symbol of Minne (courtly love), because it was believed to return to its master by affection and not by force. In the nineteenth century, this saddle was part of the collection of Tratzberg Castle in the Austrian Tyrol.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art