Detail View: The AMICA Library: Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
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AMICA ID:
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CMA_.1916.1723.a
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AMICA Library Year:
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1998
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Object Type:
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Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
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Creator Nationality:
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European; Northern European; German
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Creator Dates/Places:
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Germany
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Germany, Saxony, c. 1553-1573
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Title:
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Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
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Title Type:
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Primary
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View:
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Full View
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Creation Date:
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c. 1553-1573
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Creation Start Date:
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1553
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Creation End Date:
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1573
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Materials and Techniques:
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wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms
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Classification Term:
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Armor
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Classification Term:
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Arms
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Classification Term:
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Arms
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Dimensions:
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Overall: 0cm x 0cm, Bow: 58.5cm, Butt: 5.7cm
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Cleveland Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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ID Number:
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1916.1723.a
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Credit Line:
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Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
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Rights:
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Context:
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This crossbow and its winder (called a cranequin), made for the Prince Elector of Saxony, August I, is a masterpiece of Renaissance decorative arts. The stock of the crossbow is inlaid with engraved staghorn and ebony representations of trophies, arms, and musical instruments. The winder is also enriched with a variety of engraved designs: flowers, leaves, masks, and trophies. Even the cranking handle is minutely decorated. Not unexpectedly, the winder bears the Elector's coat of arms. August I was well known for his taste in elaborate objects, including rare and costly weapons.
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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CMA_.crossbow_group1.tif
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