Collection record · Objects & craft
Sword
The collection record classifies this work as arms and armor. It is dated 1400s. Recorded culture or place: European (unassigned), 15th century.
Explore the object recordOBJECT RECORD
A closer look at the details.
- Museum title
- Sword
- Date
- 1400s
- Culture / origin
- European (unassigned), 15th century
- Materials and technique
- steel
- Dimensions
- Overall: 103.5 cm (40 3/4 in.); Quillions: 19.1 cm (7 1/2 in.)
- Artist / maker
- Not specified by the museum
- Museum
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession number
- 1919.69
FROM THE MUSEUM
In the museum’s words
The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.
The European sword is derived from the ninth-century Viking sword, which consisted of a straight double-edged blade and was suitable for slashing or thrusting. Throughout the medieval period swords became increasingly specialized weapons depending on whether it was intended to be used on horseback or on foot. A knight likely owned several swords according to his needs and preferences. Craftsman sought to achieve the technical superiority that in turn would provide his client with a distinct advantage.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
Text and image sources
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance · CC0
The summary is based on public collection data. Refer to the museum’s latest record for the title, date and attribution.
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