Artwork preview

Smallsword

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Smallsword by Anonymous. The hilt is made of metal with a rounded pommel on top, featuring a decorative design; a short, curved metal quillon on the left; and a ribbed, cylindrical grip wrapped in thin metal wire. A flat, wide metal plate with a decorative animal head extends between the quillon and the blade. The double-edged blade appears worn with spots of discoloration; only the upper portion is visible. The background is gray with a lighter area on the right.

Artwork details

Date:
hallmarked 1747–48
Medium:
Silver, steel, wood
Culture:
British, London
Dimensions:
370 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette