Pair of Rowel Spurs

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The neck of each of these spurs is shaped as a bird’s body and head. All of the surface, buckles included, is decorated with foliage scrolls using blauätzung (blue etching). This technique consist of completely blueing the surface of the metal by heating it up to a certain temperature, and then etching out the background so the blue motifs would stand out against the white iron. Unfortunately the blueing has turned black with time. Their exceptional proportions indicate they would have been used on large cavalry boots.

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