Italian
Dolphin Knocker, 16th century - 17th century
Brass, 26.7 x 3.8 x 7.6 cm (10 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 3 in.)
Dark-colored brass door knocker in the shape of a dolphin. There is a loop that extends out from the door and the tail of the dolphin is wrapped around this with the fluke of the tail sticking up in the air. The body of the dolphin then extends downward. The dolphin has a dorsal fin on its back and a pectoral fin along its left side with an additional fin on top of its head. The dolphin's rostrum is open and the bottom part of its jaw is hooked through a thin metal loop that extends out from the door.
East, North, And West Cloister
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.