Pair of Stirrups

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

When hanged together, these stirrups display on one side of their footplate rims, in Latin, the name of their original owner, Jacob Helt, as well as their manufacture year 1694. Heraldic griffins, a common decorative motif on German equestrian material since the 16th century, adorn the top of the footplates. Its pierced decoration is typical of the production of southeast Germany and Saxony in the 16th and 17th centuries. Two holes drilled on each side of the branches indicate that they were originally very likely enriched with pierced decorated plaques, probably made of another metal, screwed over the rather rough vegetal scrolls, creating a double-layer effect.

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