Cantle Plate (Rear Saddle Plate) From a Horse Armor Probably Made for Count Antonio IV Collalto (1548–1620)
Unknown Artist
ca. 1580–90
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
H. 6 1/2 in. (16.51 cm); W. 18 1/2 in. (46.99 cm)
Classification
Armor for Horse
Culture
Italian, probably Brescia
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1921
Accession Number
21.139.12
Art Historical Context
This elegant steel cantle plate, dating to around 1580–90, formed part of a luxurious horse armor likely crafted for Count Antonio IV Coll, a prominent Venetian nobleman (1548–1620). just 6½ inches high and 18½ inches wide, it served as the rear saddle, shielding the horse's hindquarters and supporting the rider during battle or tournament. Produced in Italy—probably Brescia, a renowned center for Renaissance armor-making—this piece exemplifies the era's fusion of functionality and opulence, where noble equines were as elaborately protected as their riders. In the late 16th century, full bard...