Prick Spur

Art Historical Context

Step into the world of medieval chivalry with this *Prick Spur*, a crafted piece of equestrian equipment from the first of the 14th. Measuring 5½ inches long and weighing just 3.6 ounces, this copper alloy spur was strapped to a rider's boot to urge a horse forward with its central prick—a pointed projection that predates the wheeled rowels of later designs. Attributed to an unknown artist, possibly Italian, it exemplifies the practical yet elegantly functional tools of the knightly class. In the Arms and Armor Department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this spur highlights the era's martial culture, when mounted warriors dominated European battlefields, tournaments, and hunts. Copper alloy, valued for its durability and corrosion resistance, allowed for precise casting or forging, ensuring the spur withstood rigorous use while remaining lightweight for extended wear. Such items were status symbols, reflecting the rider's wealth and prowess. Gifted to the Met in 1923 by Bashford Dean, a pioneering arms collector, this artifact invites us to imagine the thunder of hooves and clash of lances, bridging us to a time when mastery of the horse defined power and prestige.