Bit Boss

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The center of this bit boss displays the face of the gorgon Medusa, circled by a rim adorned with seven projections in the shape of human busts wearing 16th-century ruff collar and a Roman-style mantle. This repeated figure is likely to be King Philip II of Spain, represented as such in several portraits made by Leone and Pompeo Leoni. Because of his short beard, this portrait seems to have been more particularly inspired by the medal made in 1549 by Leone Leoni when Philip, still a prince, visited his German and Flemish territories for the first time, as well as from his portrait painted by Antonis Mor in 1557. Italian bronze founders also used the same design of Medusa’s head for ornamental plaquettes, used for adorning several types of objects including staff weapons (see 14.25.354). These bosses and plaquettes seem to have been imported to Spain as the same Medusa's head is also found on many 17th-century Spanish mortars (bronze founders regularly used molds taken from pre-existing medals or plaquettes for decorating their mortars or bells).

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