Shooting trophy in the shape of a bird with chain

1598

Not on view

Designed to hang from a chain, this wearable trophy was granted to the winner of a shooting competition in the late sixteenth century. Schützenvögel or “shooting birds” were a popular form for this type of prize. Crafted from precious metals, they made appealing awards which commemorated the athletic prowess of a victorious archer or rifleman and were often reused, year to year. Community events, like shooting contests, certainly provided entertainment, but were also opportunities to increase social cohesion.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Title: Shooting trophy in the shape of a bird with chain
Date: 1598
Culture: North German
Medium: Gilded silver: cast, chased, punched, engraved
Dimensions: Bird pendant, including hanging chain and bail, confirmed: 8 1/2 × 8 1/2 × 2 1/4 in., 8.024oz. (21.6 × 21.6 × 5.7 cm, 227.5g)
Chain including toggle, confirmed: 5/8 × 40 in., 4.409oz. (1.6 × 101.6 cm, 125g)
Classifications: Metalwork-Silver, Jewelry
Credit Line: Gift of Mark Fletcher and Tobias Meyer, 2025
Object Number: 2025.605a, b
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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