Hunting Hangar with Calendar Blade
blade dated 1534, hilt late 17th century
Medium
Steel with gilding, wood, and brass wire
Dimensions
H.: 45.5 cm (17 7/8 in.); Blade: H.: 33 cm (13 in.)
Classification
edged weapon-dagger
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
117131
Art Historical Context
Step into the Applied Arts of Europe gallery at the Art Institute of and discover the *Hunting Hangar with Calendar Blade*, a striking composite dagger that bridges centuries of craftsmanship. Measuring 45.5 cm overall, with a 33 cm blade dated 1534, this weapon features a late 17th-century hilt in wood and brass wire, accented by luxurious gilding. Originally designed as a hunting dagger—known as a "hangar" in European terminology—it served practical purposes for nobility pursuing game in the Renaissance era. The blade's unique "calendar" engraving, marked 1534, likely functioned as a perpet...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...