Decorative Mount

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This enigmatic object is carved in high relief. Neither its original function nor the narrative are known, but the style of the carving suggests that it was made in Germany in the late 14th century. On one side, four lions are depicted against a background of trees. The opposite side depicts four male equestrian figures. On the left, the crowned figure of an old, bearded man leans forward as his horse lowers its head to eat or drink. The man brings his left hand to his eye, perhaps looking into the distance while he holds the reins or a shaft with his right hand. Immediately above this object, a hole is drilled into the surface, suggesting that the object represented continued on a now lost section. The next rider, to the right of this figure leans forward and looks up as his horse lowers its head to the ground. He, too, appears to be crowned. He holds the horse’s reins in his left hand while his right hand is raised to grasp the shaft held by the first figure. The third figure rides toward the right, holding a vertical object in the palm of his right hand while his horse, too, appears to eat or drink. The head and neck of a fourth horse emerges from the background on the right while its rider leans forward. The fourth figure has lost its head, and raises his right arm toward the previous figure. The fourth horse has its head only somewhat lowered.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art