Curb Bit

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

According to contemporary equestrian manuals, this mouthpiece was designed for a horse good on the bit, with a good mouth but the tongue a bit thick. The scatches, (flattened triangular elements composing this mouthpiece), were slightly stronger in their effect and more resistant than the traditional conical canons also used at the time. The cheekpieces are entirely adorned with chiseled and stamped decoration, partly gilded, also found on other mid-17th century Netherlandish and German equestrian material such as spurs. The two bosses of cast copper alloy, gilded and pierced with cherubs heads and chimeras' busts, are riveted to an iron circular disc, itself attached to the cheekpieces. This type of decoration is found on many German works of art around 1600. However, they probably do not originally belong to this bit.

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