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
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette