Artwork preview

Smallsword

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Smallsword features a long, thin metal blade with a slight tapering towards the tip. The hilt has a bulbous pommel at the top with an ornate gold design. The grip is wrapped in thin brown cord. The guard is gold with an ornate design, featuring a wide, flat quillon with a curved knuckle guard that extends to form a finger rest.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1650–60
Medium:
Steel, gold, wood, copper alloy
Culture:
French, probably Paris
Dimensions:
511 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette