Shaffron and Crinet (Horse's Head and Neck Defenses)

Romain des Ursins

ca. 1480–95, with 19th century restorations · Steel, textile · Arms and Armor

This is a rare example of a late Gothic shaffron preserved with its matching crinet. The combination of the shaffron's slender, pointed shape and its radiating ridges, together with the Italian-style armorer's marks, suggests that it is a work alla tedesca (in the German fashion) by an Italian master. The mark, an orb surmounted by a cross above the letters ROM ROM, has been attributed to the Milanese armorer Romain des Ursins, who appears to have supplied armor to the French court. (The ear and eye guards, bottom lame of the crinet, and mail fringe are ninteenth-century restorations.)

Artist

Romain des Ursins

Date

ca. 1480–95, with 19th century restorations

Medium

Steel, textile

Culture

Franco-Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913