Pair of Stirrups

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These stirrups, decorated with trophies of arms, grotesque masks and arabesques, mimic the flaring sides of Islamic types. They were originally entirely gilded. This sort of wide stirrup, called genette style, was typical of the Islamic world, and widely used in the Ottoman empire at the same time. They were introduced to Europe during the Arab presence in Spain, and then kept by the Spaniards for their light cavalry. In the rest of Europe, they were mostly used during leisure riding or equestrian games, when princes and lords rode their Arabian horses imported from the Ottoman empire. It was common then to ride these horses using Ottoman style tack, imported or made and decorated in Europe.

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