Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Ottheinrich, Count Palatine of the Rhine (1502–1559)
This shaffron is decorated with narrow bands of etched foliate ornament on a blackened, dotted ground in a manner associated with armor from Nuremberg. The decoration includes the date 1529 (in the center of the nose) and a shield emblazoned with the arms of the Palatinate and Bavaria (at the muzzle), indentifying the shaffron as having been made either for Ottheinrich (1502–1559) or for his brother Philipp (1503–1548), the two of whom co-ruled as counts palatine of the Rhine. It most likely comes from their large armory at Neuburg Castle, which rises over the Danube in the vicinity of Ingolstadt. Although the year 1529 was eventful for both siblings, it seems more probable that the armor to which this shaffron belongs was ordered by Ottheinrich for the ceremonies attendant with his wedding to Susanne, daughter of the duke of Bavaria, in that year.
Artwork Details
- Title: Shaffron (Horse's Head Defense) of Ottheinrich, Count Palatine of the Rhine (1502–1559)
- Date: dated 1529
- Geography: probably Nuremberg
- Culture: German, probably Nuremberg
- Medium: Steel, copper alloy, leather
- Dimensions: H. 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm); W. 13 in. (33 cm); D. 7 in. (17.8 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 15 oz. (1794 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Shaffrons
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1654a
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
German, Bavaria
ca. 1525
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
Kunz Lochner
dated 1548
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.