Aquamanile in the Form of a Soldier on Horseback
Unknown Artist
early 15th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
10 9/16 × 9 15/16 × 3 3/4 in., 4.6 lb. (26.8 × 25.2 × 9.5 cm, 2086g)
Classification
Metalwork-Copper alloy
Culture
German
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cloisters Collection, 1947
Accession Number
47.101.54
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the world of medieval ingenuity with this *Aquamanile in the Form of a Soldier Horseback*, a masterful copper alloy vessel crafted by an unknown German artist in the early 15th century. Housed in The Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this 10 9/16 × 9 15/16 × 3 3/4-inch piece weighs a sturdy 4.6 pounds, showcasing the durability of its metalwork. Aquamaniles like this were practical ewers used for pouring water during handwashing rituals—often in liturgical ceremonies, noble households, or even knightly feasts—blending everyday utility with sculptural artistry. The form is...