Bit Boss

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The central part of this bit boss is adorned with a Roman battle among horsemen and foot soldiers, as well as a nude man wrestling with two lions. Above them, a sun in splendor appears among the clouds. It has been cast in bronze and gilded, some details having being added by chasing, like the hairs on the horses' coats or the stippled backgrounds. The composition is probably based on a bronze plaquette, The Lion Hunt, made by Moderno (Galeazzo Mondella), ca. 1500 (see 18.70.5). German bronze founders would regularly use Italian medals or plaquettes as models for their works, including bosses, like this one, which decorated the sides of horse bits. They also produced similar decorative elements for powder flasks, staff weapons or even pistols. This Lion Hunt type was among the most popular designs, and could be combined with different types of rims (see also 42.50.180 and 42.50.178).

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