Description
This object served as a frame for a mounted leather or cloth purse. Worn by men at the waist, such purses were attached by means of a suspension swivel. The handsome gold inlay depicting hunting and military scenes includes the inscription ALFONSVS ESTENSIS, as well as a coat-of-arms that identifies the owner as Alfonso II d'Este, created Duke of Ferrara in 1559.
Provenance
(Frank Gair Macomber, Boston, no. 321.) Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance.
Accession Number
1916.1550
Medium
steel with gold inlay
Dimensions
Overall: 19 x 13.9 cm (7 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)
Classification
Metalwork
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
