Rowel Spur

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This very peculiar type of spur was produced in Germany around the year 1600. The shape of the branches, with their triangular heel, is very archaic, and recalls Medieval examples. However, the style of decoration of this spur looks slightly different from the regular German production and might have been made in Spain, where a lot of equestrian material was at this time influenced by German and Netherlandish works.

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