Rapier of Emperor Charles V (1500–1558) by Francesco Negroli. The rapier has a long, slender blade that is widest about halfway down its length and tapers to a sharp point. The blade shows a wide central groove on both sides. The hilt is made of gold and features a distinctive quillon, a cross-shaped guard that protects the hand. The quillon is composed of two curved arms that project from the blade, each ending in a decorative knob. A circular, downturned knuckle guard curves back towards the blade from the quillon. The grip is made of wood or bone and features a characteristic swelling in the middle. The pommel is a large, spherical finial. The overall color of the rapier is a mix of gold, silver, and gray.
Artwork details
- Date:
- ca. 1550–53
- Medium:
- Steel, gold, silver, wood
- Culture:
- Italian, Milan
- Dimensions:
- 446 × 624 px
- Museum record:
- View original
Palette
