Rapier and Scabbard
c. 1630
Medium
Steel, iron, copper, textile, leather, and wood
Dimensions
Overall L. 120.5 cm (47 7/16 in.) Blade L. 103.5 cm (40 3/4 in.) Wt. 2 lb. 5 oz.
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106243
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
A masterpiece of chiseled steel, the hilt of this rapier is ornamented with figures from ancient Roman mythology, including the gods Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Mars, Pluto, Apollo, and Mercury and the hero Hercules. Over the cross guard are figures symbolizing the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The pommel (top) depicts a story from Greek mythology, the Judgment of Paris. Asked to select the most beautiful of three goddesses, the Trojan prince Paris chooses Venus, causing the Trojan W...