Bit Bosses

Unknown

first half 17th century · Copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

These bosses, adorned with a spiral motif partly covered by foliage, decorated the sides of a horse bit. The exact same bosses, which seem to have been produced in high number in the first half of the 17th century, are visible on several portraits of King Charles I of England painted by Jan van Dyck for example.

Artist

Unknown

Date

first half 17th century

Medium

Copper alloy, gold

Culture

probably Netherlandish

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942