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Box For Crossbow Bolts (Bolzenkasten), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)

dated 1539
Not on view
The lid is inlaid on its outside with scenes from the medieval story of Virgil the Sorcerer, intended as a humorous warning against the "wiles of women." Corresponding inlay on the inside shows a Fountain of Youth and Orpheus playing music to the animals, surrounded by an inscription based on a German drinking song. The maker, Hans Wagner, signed himself Pixenshifter, gunstock maker.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Box For Crossbow Bolts (Bolzenkasten), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)
  • Maker: Hans Wagner the Elder (German, Munich, recorded 1539–56)
  • Date: dated 1539
  • Geography: Munich
  • Culture: German, Munich
  • Medium: Wood (lid and front panel: fruitwood, possibly pear; bottom: walnut; inlay: possibly sycamore; later repairs: mahogany moldings and Indian rosewood veneers on sides), staghorn, iron, gold, paste, paper
  • Dimensions: H. 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm); W. 16 in. (40.6 cm); D. 7 31/32 in. (20.2 cm)
  • Classification: Archery Equipment
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Bashford Dean Bequest, 1969
  • Object Number: 69.199
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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