Artwork preview

Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Henry II of France, When Dauphin

Romain des Ursins

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metal horse head defense with pointed ears, eye and nostril holes, and a curved mouthpiece. The metal is gray with a weathered appearance and gold accents. Small gold rivets are used for attachment. The object is shaped like a horse's head, with two protruding ears on top. The background is a light grey gradient.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1490–1500, redecorated 1539
Medium:
Steel, gold, brass
Culture:
Franco-Italian
Dimensions:
556 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette