Sword Chain
Unknown Artist
4th century BCE
Medium
Copper alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 18 1/4 x 1 5/8 x 1/2 in. (46.3 x 4.1 x 1.3 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Bronze
Culture
Celtic
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.191.256
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Sword Chain*, a masterful example of Celtic metalwork from 4th century BCE crafted by an unknown artist in copper alloy. Measuring 18¼ x 1⅝ x ½ inches, this slender yet robust piece was likely used to suspend a sword from a warrior's belt, practicality with striking ornamentation. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Medieval Department (gift of J. Pierpont, 1917), it exemplifies the La Tène style of Celtic artistry, characterized by intricate swirling motifs and technical prowess in bronze-like alloys. Celtic craftsmen of Iron Age Europe were renowned for their innovative m...