Eagle-Headed Hilt

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Roman and, later, Byzantine officials carried large swords that terminated in eagle-headed hilts. On this small sword, the hilt has a guard displaying a bust of the goddess Athena. The combination of motifs identifies the work as belonging to someone loyal to the classical heritage.

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