For today, we’re doing a special request. It is something a little different but absolutely exquisite.
This Medieval saddle of bone, hide, and birch bark was made in the Kingdom of Bohemia. It dates to circa 1400 to 1420, when the International Gothic art style was flourishing across Europe.
This saddle is made from the pelvic bones of large mammals, likely cows. The bones consist of all three parts of the os coxae, including the ilium, ischium, and pubis bones. This type of saddle is known as a riding saddle, as opposed to a war style saddle. With the detailed decorations and good condition of the piece today, it was most likely used only ceremonially. The slits in the middle are where the leathers for the girth and stirrups passed through. The holes punctured around the edges are what connected it to the pad which sat between the saddle and the horse’s back.
All facets of the saddle are exquisitely decorated with common medieval motifs including two images of Saint George standing over the dragon he slew. The saddle has multiple pairs of lovers, including lovers in an embrace, being wooed, and in discussion. Musicians and instruments are represented with a drummer and trumpeters. Lovely trees and flowers add grace to the scenes. There are also mythological creatures, including a sphinx, other beasts with human heads, a heraldic eagle, and dragons. Checkered patterns add detail between the scenes.
The Kingdom of Bohemia was mostly within the present-day Czech Republic, with small areas of additional land in Germany and Poland. This saddle was made in the Bohemian variant of the International Gothic style, known as Weicher Stil. This style consisted of ornate decorations, with elongated figures, flowing lines, and animals and plants from the natural world rendered in a more realistic way.
The International Gothic style was brought into the Bohemian Empire by Charles IV, the first King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Emperor. Charles IV helped Bohemia become a principal mover in the art world. When this saddle was made, Bohemia was ruled by Sigismund, the son of Charles IV who was also crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. Sigismund was one of the leading forces behind the set up the Council of Constance which ended the Papal Schism. The Papal Schism had divided Europe between those who were loyal to the pope in Rome and those who were loyal to the pope in Avignon and lasted 39 years. Sigismund helped to end that divide.
There are only a handful of medieval saddles still in existence and in good condition today. Other establishments that house these priceless objects include the Royal Armouries and the Wallace Collection, both in London, England, and other collections.
This Bohemian Medieval riding saddle is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, in the United States.
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This object really is stunning. I’m so glad to learn about the Weicher Stil as a movement within the International Gothic. This post is rich with beautiful illustrations and historical details that make fascinating reading. I also feel invited to imagine the artisan at work. The first designs cut into the bones would feel momentous–but then carving the last scenes and figures, after so much time and effort already invested, would have been very high stakes. Please, Lord, don’t let my hand slip now!!
Thank you so much for the wonderful comments! I am always blown away by the mastery of the artists whose names are lost to us. It’s such a joy to remember and appreciate their art today!