Court Sword and Scabbard
c. 1810
Medium
Silver, gilding, steel, mother-of-pearl, wood, leather, and textile
Dimensions
H.: 98 cm (38 5/8 in.)
Classification
arms
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
244009
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This court sword, with its heavily gilded silver hilt, mother-of-pearl grip and gold inlayed blade, was intended for presentation to a diplomatic, civic, or military leader for ceremonial wear at court. It represents the final development of the eighteenth civilian smallsword, with its characteristic short blade and downturned kidney-shaped guard—design features meant to make it less inhibiting to wear or less damaging to fine silk clothing. The reverse side of the guard is engraved with the na...
About the Artist
Martin-Guillaume Biennais · 1764–1843
Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764–1843) was the most celebrated goldsmith and silversmith of the Napoleonic era, a craftsman whose work in precious metals became synonymous with the taste and grandeur of the First Empire. Beginning his career as a toy-maker and lacquer merchant, he made the remarkable transition to goldsmithing in the 1790s, establishing himself in Paris and rapidly attracting the p...