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Title
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Crossbow and Cranequin, 16th century
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HCA Identifier
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Inventory: 1888.99 and 1888.99.a.
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Collection Location
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Basel, Switzerland
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Date
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1565
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Location
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Switzerland or Southern Germany
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Description
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Bindings connect the steel prod to the wooden stock. The wooden stock is beautified with complicated ivory inlay. Towards the front of the underside of the crossbow, Mary Magdalene, a skull, and the year 1565 are visible. Towards the back, there is the fabled Roman woman Lucretia. These figures contrast with each other along the themes of religion, sexuality, and virtue. As noted by the Basel Historical Museum, this juxtaposition evokes the Renaissance and suggests the crossbow was commissioned by a cultured person.
This crossbow also has a bolt clip, likely made of horn, and a lever trigger.
The cranequin is decorated with motifs of flowers and vegetation. The winch part of the cranequin is decorated with hunting scenes as well, mirroring those of the crossbow. There is a wooden knob, decorated with simple lines, on the end of the cranequin handle. The cranequin materials and provenance are not commented on by the museum.
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Source
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Historisches Museum Basel [Basel Historical Museum]
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Crossbow Top Measurements
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Length: 63 cm (about 2 ft 1 in)
Width (length of prod): 60 cm (about 2 ft)
