Artwork preview

Design for the Hilt of a Small-Sword

Luigi Valadier

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Gold-colored illustration of a hilt of a small-sword. The hilt has an elongated oval-shaped pommel at the top and a long, thin grip with intricate designs. The grip is divided into sections by horizontal lines and features ornate patterns throughout. A curved, thin piece of metal extends from the base of the pommel, curving down and around to form a protective guard. The guard has two curved extensions on either side that resemble scrollwork. The base of the hilt features a wide, flat section with a decorative edge and more intricate designs. The background of the illustration is beige with a thin gold border around the edge.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1780–90
Medium:
Pen, ink, wash, graphite, vellum
Culture:
Italian, Rome
Dimensions:
500 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette