Poleax
c.1470—c.1520
Medium
Steel, brass, wood, and leather
Dimensions
H.: 121.8 cm (48 in.)
Classification
shafted weapon
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106205
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The poleax—so named whether it has an ax- or hammerhead—was designed to smash, break, or pierce through armor. It could be mounted either with a long or short staff. It was used in infantry battle, knightly tournaments, and judicial combat. The blunted hook, hammerhead, and point on the short poleax suggest it was meant for foot tournaments, friendly contests in which blows were exchanged.
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...