Rosette
Unknown Artist
ca. 1540
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
Diam. 3/4 in. (1.9 cm); thickness 1/8 in. (0.3 cm); Wt. 0.03 oz. (1 g)
Classification
Miscellaneous-Buckles & Ornament
Culture
French
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Bashford Dean, 1920
Accession Number
20.152.171
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's renowned Arms and Armor Department, this delicate brass *Rosette* (ca. 1540) is a exquisite example of French Renaissance metalwork. Measuring just 3/4 inch in diameter and weighing a mere 0.03 ounces, this tiny ornament—classified as a buckle or decorative fitting—showcases the era's mastery of small-scale craftsmanship. Donated in 1920 by collector Bashford Dean, it invites visitors to appreciate the intricate details that once embellished everyday objects. Crafted from brass, a durable yet malleable alloy prized for its golden sheen, the rosette ...