Pair of Stirrups

Unknown

early 19th century · Copper alloy, gold, iron · Arms and Armor

This pair of stirrups, each one adorned with two eagle’s heads, would have belonged to a high officer of Emperor Napoleon I’s army, possibly a general. Considering regulation cavalry equipment too simple for their status, high officers would often commission for themselves a richer version of it, sometimes designed by imperial goldsmiths. They would be displayed primarily during military parades or other official events.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 19th century

Medium

Copper alloy, gold, iron

Culture

French

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913