Wheellock Rifle

Gunsmith Johannes Hartel Polish, Cieszyn (Silesian)

ca. 1650–60

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 375

The lavish decoration includes personifications of the four continents: America (an Indian in a chariot pulled by unicorns), Africa (a woman in a chariot pulled by lions), Asia (a costumed figure in a chariot pulled by camels), and Europe (a queen in a chariot pulled by horses).

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Wheellock Rifle
Gunsmith: Johannes Hartel (Polish, Cieszyn (Silesian), active ca. 1650)
Date: ca. 1650–60
Geography: Cieszyn
Culture: Silesian, Cieszyn
Medium: Steel, silver, wood (red beech), staghorn, mother of pearl
Dimensions: L. 42 3/4 in. (108.6 cm); Cal. 17/32 in. (13.5 mm); L. of barrel 30 7/8 in. (78.4 cm); L. of trigger 8 1 4/ in. (21 cm); Wt. 7 lb. 11 oz. (3500 g)
Classification: Firearms-Guns-Wheellock
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
Object Number: 04.3.163
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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