Artwork preview

Crossbow with Spanning Lever

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a crossbow with spanning lever titled 'Crossbow with Spanning Lever'. The crossbow's stock is made of wood. A metal bow is attached to the stock. Two metal prongs protrude from the top of the stock, near the bow. A spanning lever made of wood and metal is attached to the stock on the right side. A trigger mechanism is on the right side, near the front. A metal latch is on the stock and appears to secure the bolt. A bolt rests in the groove on the stock. The crossbow shown from the side, with the bow visible, and from the top, showing the stock and most of the bow. The background is plain and light gray.

Artwork Details

Date
crossbow, ca. 1540–60 and later; spanning lever, probably first half of the 16th century
Medium
Steel, wood (fruitwood, probably pear), staghorn, copper alloy, hemp
Culture
crossbow, Spanish, possibly Madrid; lever, probably Spanish
Dimensions
600 × 450 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette