Stirrup Ring

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The stirrup ring, with its distinctive form that suggests both a horse stirrup and a gothic arch, was in fashion from the twelfth century well into the fourteenth century. They were most commonly set with a sapphire and worn by both clergy and laymen. The present example is distinguished by its elegant simplicity. Less heavy than rings found in the tombs of clerics, which were generally worn over gloves, this example was most likely the finger ornament of a layman.

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