ticketsMember | Make a donation

Small Crossbow (Schnepper), Probably for a Woman or Child

dated 1738
Not on view
Made by the court crossbow-maker to the dukes of Saxony, this crossbow has an elegant and finely engraved inlay that distinguishes it as a weapon of high quality intended for use at the court in Dresden or in one of the other nearby ducal residences. The theme of the decoration might suggest that it was used for hunting small game, but the delicate size of this crossbow indicates that it probably was used by a lady or a child for shooting competitions, some of which would have been held indoors.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Small Crossbow (Schnepper), Probably for a Woman or Child
  • Maker: Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder (German, Dresden, 1696–1778)
  • Date: dated 1738
  • Geography: Dresden, Saxony
  • Culture: German, Dresden
  • Medium: Steel, wood (fruitwood, probably plum or cherry), staghorn, hemp, wool, gold, horn
  • Dimensions: L. 22 7/32 in. (56.4 cm); W. 16 15/16 in. (43 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 14 1/2 oz. (866 g)
  • Classification: Archery Equipment-Crossbows
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2011
  • Object Number: 2011.429
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Light Crossbow (Schnepper) from the Armory of Sedlitz Palace, Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder German, Steel, wood (walnut), staghorn, hemp, wool, gold, German, Dresden
Light Crossbow (Schnepper) from the Armory of Sedlitz Palace
Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder
dated 1733
Crossbow (Halbe Rüstung) with Winder (Cranequin), Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder German, Steel, wood (walnut), staghorn, copper alloy, hemp, leather, silk, gold, iron alloy, wool, crossbow, German, probably Dresden; winder, possibly German
Crossbow (Halbe Rüstung) with Winder (Cranequin)
Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder
crossbow, ca. 1720–30; winder, ca. 1575–1600
Crossbow (Halbe Rüstung) with Winder (Cranequin), Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder German, Steel, wood, staghorn, copper alloy, hemp, wool, gold, iron alloy, German, Dresden
Crossbow (Halbe Rüstung) with Winder (Cranequin)
Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder
dated 1742
Rapier of Prince-Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583–1611), Israel Schuech German, Steel, bronze, gold, enamel, paste jewels, cameos, pearls, wood, hilt, German, Dresden; blade, Spanish, Toledo
Rapier of Prince-Elector Christian II of Saxony (1583–1611)
Israel Schuech
Juan Martinez
dated 1606
Hunting Sword, Johann Georg Klett German, Steel, silver, gold, bloodstone, German, Dresden
Hunting Sword
Johann Georg Klett
ca. 1750

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.