Transitional Rapier
c. 1660
Medium
Steel, iron, silver, copper, wood
Dimensions
Overall L. 108.5 cm (42 3/4 in.) Blade L. 91.5 cm (36 in.) Wt. 1 lb. 4 oz.
Classification
edged weapon-sword
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
117181
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Transitioning from the long-bladed rapier, the reduced blade length and smaller guard size of this sword anticipate later smallswords. Like the contemporary cup-hilted rapiers displayed to the left, this sword was designed for a fencing style that relied almost entirely on the point. Its blackened iron hilt is finely encrusted with silver portraits of ancient Roman emperors.
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...