Description
The hilt, pommel, and guard of this sword are richly chiseled in low relief against a stippled gold background with animals (dogs, a stag, ducks) that appear to be adapted from paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686–1775). An elegant court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel.
Provenance
Frank Gair Macomber (1849-1941) Boston, MA, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH; The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1916-)
Accession Number
1916.1094
Medium
steel, gilt and russeted, copper, wood
Dimensions
Overall: 105.4 cm (41 1/2 in.); Blade: 87.9 cm (34 5/8 in.); Guard: 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.)
Classification
Arms and Armor
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
