Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight

Unknown

ca. 1250 · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

Aquamanilia, from the Latin words meaning "water" and "hands," served to pour water over the hands of priests before celebrating Mass and of diners at table. This aquamanile, in the form of a horse and rider, exemplifies the courtly ideals of knighthood that pervaded Western medieval culture and influenced objects intended for daily use. It depicts a type of armor that disappeared toward the third quarter of the thirteenth century. Unfortunately, the shield—which probably displayed the arms of the owner—and the lance are no longer extant.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1250

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

German

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964