Bit Boss

Unknown

second half 16th–early 17th century · Copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

The domed center of this boss is decorated with a frieze of alternating cherubs’ heads and grotesque masks, circled by volutes and palmettes on the rim. Bit bosses were ornamental elements decorating both sides of a horse bit. The hat-shape design, probably inspired by ancient shield bosses excavated at the time, was very popular in Italy and France in the 16th and early 17th century

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Copper alloy, gold

Culture

Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942