Rowel Spur (Left)
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Iron
Dimensions
L. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); W. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm); Diam. of rowel 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); Wt. 2.6 oz. (73.7 g)
Classification
Equestrian Equipment-Spurs
Culture
German
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
Accession Number
42.50.311
Art Historical Context
This elegant iron rowel spur, crafted in 18th-century Germany, exemplifies the refined equestrian equipment of the period. Measuring just over five inches in length with a delicate rowel wheel, the spur was designed for precise control during horseback riding. Its left-side orientation and modest weight of 2.6 ounces suggest it was part of a matched pair intended for practical use by riders who valued both functionality and subtle ornamentation in their tack. Rowel spurs like this one played an important role in European riding culture, where horsemanship was essential for travel, hunting, an...