Bit Boss with the Rape of Europa

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This ornamental boss, made of gilded bronze, originally decorated one of the sides of a horse bit. Its center is decorated with a scene in relief showing the abduction of the princess Europa by Jupiter as a bull, followed by a flying Cupid shooting an arrow at her breast. The rim is cast with imitation pearls, diamonds and fleur-de-lis. The scene seems partly inspired by the Rape of Europa engraved ca. 1590 by Hendrick Goltzius, while the bull also recalls the same event represented on a mid-17th century Netherlandish bronze plaque made by an anonymous goldsmith, today in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, which was freely inspired by Titian's painting on the same subject (known through prints). While at this time most of the bronze bit bosses were mass produced by founders, the quality of the relief and chasing here indicate that this piece is rather the work of a talented goldsmith. The original bit and its ornaments must have been a unique luxury piece commissioned by a wealthy rider.

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