Bronze and iron fittings from a cart or chariot
Unknown Artist
ca. 500–480 BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Other: 9 3/4 × 6 1/8 in. (24.8 × 15.6 cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture & Period
Etruscan · Late Archaic–Early Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1929
Accession Number
29.131.3a
Tags
Art Historical Context
These exquisite bronze and iron fittings, likely from a ceremonial cart or chariot, hail from Etruscan culture around 500–480 BCE, during the Late Archaic to Early Classical period. Crafted in the vibrant world of ancient Etruria—modern-day central Italy—these small yet intricate pieces (measuring about 9¾ × 6⅛ inches) reflect the sophisticated metalworking skills of a civilization renowned for its urban sophistication, trade with Greeks, and love of luxury. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Greek and Roman Art department, they were acquired through the Fletcher Fund in 1929. Depi...