Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight

Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Aquamanilia, from the Latin words meaning "water" and "hands," served to pour water over the hands of priests before celebrating Mass and of diners at table. This aquamanile, in the form of a horse and rider, exemplifies the courtly ideals of knighthood that pervaded Western medieval culture and influenced objects intended for daily use. It depicts a type of armor that disappeared toward the third quarter of the thirteenth century. Unfortunately, the shield—which probably displayed the arms of the owner—and the lance are no longer extant.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted KnightAquamanile in the Form of a Mounted KnightAquamanile in the Form of a Mounted KnightAquamanile in the Form of a Mounted KnightAquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight

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.