Small Howitzer (Field Cannon) of Artillery Captain Johannes Faulhaber

Unrecorded artist

1600/35

Attribution: German; possibly Ulm
Medium: Bronze, iron, and wood
Physical dimensions: Length overall : 18 1/2 in. (47 cm) Caliber: 3 1/8 in. (8 cm) Height of carriage: 17 in. (43.2 cm) Width of carriage: 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm) Diameter of wheels: 4 5/8 in. (11.8 cm) Width between ends of trunnions: 8 15/16 in. (22.8 cm) Weight of cannon: 91 lb. 12 oz. Weight of carriage: 50 lb.
Credit line: George F. Harding Collection

CATALOGUE RECORD

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Source rights statement: Public domain

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From the museum

This small field cannon, or howitzer, is inscribed with the name and coat of arms of Johannes Faulhaber, a military instrument maker, engineer, and eminent mathematician. During his illustrious career, he collaborated with the astronomer Johannes Kepler, and designed the fortifications of Frankfurt, Basel, and his home city of Ulm, where he was the official surveyor and captain of artillery. This cannon may have been a presentation piece given to celebrate his office as captain, or used to study the science of trajectories.

Description: Art Institute of Chicago · CC BY 4.0