Parade Halberd (from the bodyguard of Ludwig Rudolf, Duke of Brunswick- Wolfenbüttel [1671-1735])
Unknown Artist
1717
![Parade Halberd (from the bodyguard of Ludwig Rudolf, Duke of Brunswick- Wolfenbüttel [1671-1735]) by Unknown Artist](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.artheonmuseum.org%2Fcleveland%2Fthumb%2Fparade-halberd-from-the-bodyguard-of-ludwig-rudolf-duke-cleveland-165168.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Medium
blued, etched and gilded steel, wooden haft with orginal steel base spike, silk tassel with alternating blue and gold bands
Dimensions
l. 276.9 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Alma Kroeger Fund
Accession Number
2007.164
About this artwork
The halberd and partisan are hafted weapons highly favored by European infantries of the 1500s and 1600s for their great versatility and deadly effect. From about 1550 on, these weapons underwent significant changes as they gradually became more ornamental. The large flat surfaces of the blades lent themselves to engraving, etching, gilding, and other forms of decoration. They also provided the perfect location for the coats of arms of princely or noble families. For this reason, hafted weapons ...