Thrusting Sword (Estoc)
c.1525—c.1540
Medium
Steel, wood, and leather
Dimensions
Overall L. 118.5 cm (46 3/4 in.) Blade L. 96.5 cm (38 in.) Wt. 2 lb. 10 oz.
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
117095
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 has a triple-edged blade that is triangular in cross-section with hollow ground or fluted sides, features that make the blade both ridged and light.
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...