Thrusting Sword (Estoc)
c.1520—c.1540
Medium
Steel, brass, wood, and leather
Dimensions
Overall L. 130 cm (51 3/16 in.) Blade L. 108.5 cm (42 3/4 in.) Wt. 3 lb. 6 oz.
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106214
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Stiff-bladed swords or estocs were designed to pierce through the joints or gaps of plate armor. They were often kept on the front of the saddle of a well-equipped man-at-arms and used as an auxiliary weapon in addition to an arming sword, war hammer, or mace. This example with its crutch-shaped pommel (top end) is a rare type. This unusual device may have been designed to help wedge the back end of the sword hilt into the user’s elbow or upper arm while holding the blade with two hands and pre...
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...