ticketsMember | Make a donation

Model of a Basilisk (Cannon) for Emperor Charles V (1500–1558)

Founder Pietro d'Arena Italian
1523
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 371
This unique cannon is a scale model, probably designed to be over 15 feet (4.6 m) long when produced in full size. It is made up of four sections (one is missing) that screw together, allowing it to be disassembled for easier transport. Cast into its decoration are a portrait of Charles V, his coat of arms, and other personal insignia, suggesting the model was created as a gift for the emperor.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Model of a Basilisk (Cannon) for Emperor Charles V (1500–1558)
  • Founder: Pietro d'Arena (Italian, Sicily, active ca. 1503–23)
  • Date: 1523
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: L. 29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm); Cal. .875 in. (22.2 mm); Wt. 27 lb. 2 1/2 oz. (12.32 kg)
  • Classification: Firearms-Cannon
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1814
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Armet, LIONARDO Italian, Steel, copper alloy, Italian, probably Milan
Armet
LIONARDO
ca. 1440
Elements of an Italian Light-Cavalry Armor <i>alla Tedesca</i> (in the German Fashion), Steel, gold, copper alloy, leather, Italian, Milan
Elements of an Italian Light-Cavalry Armor alla Tedesca (in the German Fashion)
Italian, Milan
ca. 1510
Field Armor of King Henry VIII of England (reigned 1509–47), Steel, gold, textile, leather, Italian, Milan or Brescia

Field Armor of King Henry VIII of England (reigned 1509–47)

Italian, Milan or Brescia
ca. 1544
Burgonet, Filippo Negroli Italian, Steel, gold, textile, Italian, Milan
Burgonet
Filippo Negroli
dated 1543
Vamplate, Steel, Italian
Vamplate
Italian
ca. 1550 to 1575

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.