Rapier
The prince-electors of Saxony spared no expense to ensure that their court would rival, if not outshine, all others in Renaissance Europe. Their personal armor and weaponry, as well as that of their entourage and guard was no exception. With its hilt almost entirely covered in finely etched and engraved silver, this rapier was probably intended for a noble member of the court or a commanding officer of the electoral guard.
The etched and engraved decoration of the silver consists of birds, hounds, and hares set in dense patterns of scrolling leafy foliage on a blackened ground. The lavish use of silver on weapons made for the court of the prince-electors of Saxony at Dresden reflected the source of their wealth, which was based on silver mines in the Erzgebirge (ore mountains) in Saxony.
The etched and engraved decoration of the silver consists of birds, hounds, and hares set in dense patterns of scrolling leafy foliage on a blackened ground. The lavish use of silver on weapons made for the court of the prince-electors of Saxony at Dresden reflected the source of their wealth, which was based on silver mines in the Erzgebirge (ore mountains) in Saxony.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rapier
- Date: ca. 1575–1600
- Geography: Dresden
- Culture: German, Dresden
- Medium: Steel, iron, silver, copper alloy, wood
- Dimensions: L. 47 7/8 in. (121.6 cm); L. of blade 42 in. (106.7 cm)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Gift of Laird Landmann and Kathleen Kinney Landmann, in celebration of the Museum’s 150th Anniversary, 2023
- Object Number: 2023.580.3
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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