Artwork preview

Curb Bit

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Silver-colored metal curb bit with ornate details. Two side pieces connected by a central piece. The left piece plain and worn with a slightly tapered, curved, flat body, widening at top and bottom. The top portion a handle with rounded edges. The bottom portion a short bar with a D-shaped ring. The right piece ornately decorated, with a handle having a leaf pattern on one side and a scroll pattern on the other. The bottom portion features a leaf pattern. The central piece consists of two ornate, bulbous ends with gold inlays connected by a short bar. Two decorative, curved pieces connect to the bottom of the side pieces. A small D-shaped ring hangs from the bottom center. Gray background. Curb Bit by artist unknown.

Artwork Details

Date
second half 16th century; 19th century
Medium
Iron alloy, gold
Culture
North Italian
Dimensions
446 × 624 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette