Pair of Rowel Spurs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Despite its simple shape this pair of spurs is skillfully chiseled all over with moldings and crescent-shape motifs giving it a particularly sculptural aspect. In the 17th century spurs became true fashion accessories often worn outside the equestrian context, and some of them were real pieces of jewelry. This trend progressively disappeared after the mid-17th century, and even adorned pairs like this one displayed increasingly simpler designs.

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