Rowel Spur (Left)

Unknown

ca.1560 · Copper alloy, gold, silver · Arms and Armor

The neck and arms of this luxurious spur are chiseled all over with a diaper pattern, the faceted diamond bosses silvered on a golden background. The points of the fragile rowel are shaped as very delicate palmettes. The three circular tabs with hooks feature the gilded profile of a young boy with a ruff collar on a silvered background. These heads seem inspired by the medal of the Infante Carlos, son of Philip II of Spain, aged 12, made in 1557 by Pompeo Leoni. The decoration and the fragility of this spur indicate that it was meant to be used in a festive or ceremonial context. For carousels and other equestrian games, noble riders would commission for themselves and their horses splendid outfits and tacks covered with elaborate motifs often repeated on the different elements composing them.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca.1560

Medium

Copper alloy, gold, silver

Culture

Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913