Pair of Stirrups

Unknown

17th century · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

This decoration technique of smooth chiseled steel, polished to the point of mimicking silver, seems to have been popular in Northern Italy for the decoration of equestrian material in the second half of the 17th century. The swivel suspension eye allowed the stirrup leather to stay flat against the horse’s flank when the stirrup is used, but it is more fragile than regular non-rotating systems.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913