Katzbalger (Infantry Sword)
1500/15
Medium
Steel, brass, and walnut burl
Dimensions
88.9 × 17.8 cm (35 × 7 in.)
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
229092
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The Katzbalger (German for cat-gutter) was the principal sidearm of the early 16th-century Swiss and German foot soldier. Its short, wide double-edged blade was designed for slashing in close quarters, while the bold S-shaped guard protected the user’s hand and forearm from adversaries’ blows.
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...