Rapier
This rapier is typical of the weapons that Valentin de Boulogne, the seventeenth-century painter, would have seen around him as a youth in France and during his maturity in Rome. Since rapiers were worn regularly by nobles, gentlemen, and professional soldiers as part of their daily dress and not only in battle, the swirling bars that make up the guard of a rapier hilt are designed to protect a gloved or bare hand.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rapier
- Bladesmith: Blade by Pietro Caino (Italian, Milan, active second half 16th century)
- Date: late 16th century
- Geography: Milan
- Culture: hilt, probably German; blade, Italian, Milan
- Medium: Steel, wood, iron
- Dimensions: L. 45 5/8 in. (115.9 cm); L. of blade 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); D. 5 in. (12.7 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 9 oz. (1162.3 g)
- Classification: Swords
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1052
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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ca. 1400–1430
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