Small Sword, The hilt, pommel, and guard of this sword are richly chiseled in low relief against a stippled gold background with animals (dogs, a stag, ducks) that appear to be adapted from paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686-1775). An elegant court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel.

---

Size: 1465px × 2048px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 1686-1755, 18th, armor, arms, art, century, cleveland, copper, design, france, french, gilt, heritage, jean-baptiste, museum, oudry, paris, russeted, steel, wood