In the museum catalogue
An image is not available here yet.
View at the museum ↗Art Institute of Chicago
Smallsword
Unrecorded artistc. 1760
- Attribution
- Probably German
- Medium
- Steel, two gold alloys, and gilding
- Physical dimensions
- 104.1 × 10.2 cm (41 × 4 in.)
- Credit line
- Pauline Seipp Armstrong Fund, through prior acquisition of the George F. Harding Collection
CATALOGUE RECORD
Museum metadata is available under CC0. Image availability and rights are separate; consult the source record.
Source rights statement: Public domain
View the museum record ↗From the museum
The hilt of this smallsword is encrusted or overlaid with flowers and foliage in two different tones of gold—pink and green—contrasted against a deep blue-black steel ground. As a fashion accessory, the weapon was intended to harmonize with a gentleman’s finely embroidered silk coat. Despite its ornament, it could still be used for self-defense.
Description: Art Institute of Chicago · CC BY 4.0