Key

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of medieval Germany with this striking 13th-century iron, a humble yet powerful artifact from the Metropolitan Museum Art's Medieval Art collection Measuring about 7 5/8 by 2 1/2 inches, its sturdy form—forged from durable iron—hints at everyday utility turned into enduring craftsmanship. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 0, this key exemplifies the metalwork traditions of the time, where blacksmiths transformed raw ore into functional objects of precision and strength. In the High Middle Ages, keys like this one were symbols of authority and security, used to lock chest...