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"Athena" Sword and Scabbard, from Reflections - Dedication to the Goddess Series

Swordsmith Peter Johnsson

2019

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 370

Made by hand in 2019 by the Swedish swordsmith and artist Peter Johnsson, this sword is a fine example of the continued and current evolution of swordsmithing craft at its highest level.

Though fully functional, with calculated balance and cutting ability, and a design that draws inspiration from medieval and antique sword types, the sword was created first and foremost as a work of conceptual art (as opposed to for presentation, use in ceremony, combat, etc.), intended to inspire contemplation of specific concepts and themes and invoke self-reflection.

"Athena" Sword and Scabbard, from Reflections - Dedication to the Goddess Series, Peter Johnsson (Swedish, b. 1965), Steel, iron, gold, silver, felt, linen, shellac, Swedish, Storvreta — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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Detail

Title: "Athena" Sword and Scabbard, from Reflections - Dedication to the Goddess Series

Swordsmith: Peter Johnsson (Swedish, b. 1965)

Date: 2019

Culture: Swedish, Storvreta

Medium: Steel, iron, gold, silver, felt, linen, shellac

Dimensions: L. 38 1/2 in. (97.9 cm); L. of blade 31 3/8 in. (79.8 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 5.12 oz. (1055 g)

Classification: Swords

Credit Line: Gift of Landon Mathew Morris, 2023

Object Number: 2023.117a, b

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