Smallsword
1740/50
Medium
Steel, gilding, silver, and wood
Dimensions
Overall L. 99.5 cm (39 3/16 in.) Blade L. 81.3 cm (32 in.) Wt. 1 lb. 1 oz.
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106260
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Smallswords, though developed as civilian weapons to be worn with formal court dress, were also used by infantry officers and high-ranking field commanders in battle. Designed for military use, this example is fitted with a coliche-marde blade, which has a widened section at the fort near the hilt to strengthen the blade against heavy attacks.
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...