"Athena" Sword and Scabbard, from Reflections - Dedication to the Goddess Series

Swordsmith Peter Johnsson
2019
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 370
Made by hand in 2019 by the Swedish swordsmith and artist Peter Johnsson, this sword is a fine example of the continued and current evolution of swordsmithing craft at its highest level.

Though fully functional, with calculated balance and cutting ability, and a design that draws inspiration from medieval and antique sword types, the sword was created first and foremost as a work of conceptual art (as opposed to for presentation, use in ceremony, combat, etc.), intended to inspire contemplation of specific concepts and themes and invoke self-reflection.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Athena" Sword and Scabbard, from Reflections - Dedication to the Goddess Series
  • Swordsmith: Peter Johnsson (Swedish, b. 1965)
  • Date: 2019
  • Culture: Swedish, Storvreta
  • Medium: Steel, iron, gold, silver, felt, linen, shellac
  • Dimensions: L. 38 1/2 in. (97.9 cm); L. of blade 31 3/8 in. (79.8 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 5.12 oz. (1055 g)
  • Classification: Swords
  • Credit Line: Gift of Landon Mathew Morris, 2023
  • Object Number: 2023.117a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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