Door knocker in the shape of a salamander

Door knocker in the shape of a salamander

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The later Middle Ages was practically a second Iron Age, producing vast quantities of armor, weaponry and all manner of functional objects from nails to elaborate strap work hinges, ornate locks and household tools. A highly specialized craft, the best ironsmiths took pride in bringing decorative refinement to their works often elaborating surfaces that could not be seen and transfiguring the functional into the figural. These door knockers are fine examples of the wit, humor, and skill the best ironsmiths could bring to their products. This door knocker is in the shape of a salamander with a long flat body, a pointed head, a lowered tail curled upwards all supported on four short legs. The surface is chiseled with wavy lines and short parallel curves indicating the animal's rough skin.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Door knocker in the shape of a salamanderDoor knocker in the shape of a salamanderDoor knocker in the shape of a salamanderDoor knocker in the shape of a salamanderDoor knocker in the shape of a salamander

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.