-
Title
-
Crossbow
-
HCA Identifier
-
14.25.1572a
-
Collection Location
-
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
-
Date
-
Late 15th or early 16th century
-
Location
-
Central European, possibly Southern Germany
-
Description
-
This crossbow is understood to have emerged from central Europe (possibly southern Germany) in the late 15th or early 16th century. The stock is made of wood and has been covered in remarkable carvings completed in staghorn. Notably, in the middle of the stock, just above the trigger guard, a scene of three figures hunting in a small fishing boat is featured. This scene stands out for its visual stillness, contrasting with the other livelier scenes featured on the stock. Viewers may also take note of the delicately engraved peacock feathers that follow the curvature of the stock. The prod, trigger guard, suspension ring, transverse pin and rolling nut are made of steel. The bowstring is recorded as being made of hemp. Along with the carvings depicting various hunting scenes, animals and ornamental florals are inscriptions reading “F.G.E” and “1584”. Though one would be inclined to infer the date inscription to have been carved at the time of its creation, it is theorized to not have been added until later, likely during the 19th century.
-
Crossbow Top Measurements
-
L. 29 in. (73.7 cm.)
W. 24 9/16 in. (62.4 cm.)
Wt. 6 lb. 10 oz. (3 kg)
cranequin: L. (exclusive of handle) 14 in. (35.6 cm.); Gr. W. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.); Wt. 4 lbs. 14 oz. (2213.5 g).
