Powder Flask
The consummate works of an anonymous French artist, this flask and another in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. no. 14.25.1491) are made of polished antler, and expertly carved at the front. Whereas the latter sports the heraldic arms and personal emblem of its noble owner, this flask features a scene from the Old Testament, David's victory over the giant Goliath. As is often the case, the metal mountings that would have capped the flasks’s extremities are now lost.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.