Mordant
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
H. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); W. 1 in. (2.5 cm); thickness 3/16 in. (0.5 cm); Wt. 0.1 oz. (3 g)
Classification
Miscellaneous-Buckles & Ornament
Culture
German
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Bashford Dean, 1920
Accession Number
20.152.164
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department, this delicate brass *Mordant* from 16th-century Germany exemplifies the exquisite metalwork of the Renaissance era. Measuring just 1/2 inch high and 1 inch wide this lightweight ornament (weighing a mere 0.1 oz.) was likely a functional yet decorative buckle or strap fastener, used to secure belts, harnesses, or elements of armor. Crafted from brass—a durable, malleable alloy prized for its golden sheen and corrosion resistance—such pieces highlight the German artisans' skill in miniaturizing intricate designs for everyday ...