Ferret

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval collection, this charming copper alloy figurine titled *Ferret* captures a lively creature from the Late Roman world of the 6th–7th century. Measuring just 3 11/16 x 1 1/4 x 1/4 inches, its petite scale suggests it may have served as an amulet, decorative mount, or votive offering—common in an era bridging the classical Roman Empire and early medieval Europe. Crafted by an unknown artist, the piece exemplifies the enduring tradition of metalwork in bronze-like alloys, likely produced through lost-wax casting, a technique prized for its preci...