Key
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Steel
Dimensions
Length: 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Steel
Culture
European
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1954
Accession Number
54.7.25
Art Historical Context
### A 16th-Century European Steel Key Step into the world of Renaissance craftsmanship with this exquisite 16th-century steel key from the Metropolitan Museum Art's European Sculpture andative Arts collection. Measuring just 3 7/8 inches (9.8 cm) in length, this small yet masterful piece exemplifies the metalwork traditions of Europe during a time of artistic revival and technical innovation. Donated by Irwin Untermyer in 4, it highlights the everyday objects elevated to art through skilled hands. Forged from durable steel, the key reflects advanced blacksmithing techniques of the era, where...