COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
CMA_.1916.1723.b
AMICA Library Year:
1998
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
European; Northern European; German
Creator Dates/Places:
Germany
Creator Name-CRT:
Germany, Saxony, c. 1553-1573
Title:
Cranequin with Arms of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
Title Type:
Primary
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
c. 1553-1573
Creation Start Date:
1553
Creation End Date:
1573
Materials and Techniques:
steel; etched, chased and gilded
Classification Term:
Armor
Classification Term:
Arms
Classification Term:
Arms
Dimensions:
Overall: , Rack: 0cm x 0cm, Crank: , Gear housing: 14.2cm
AMICA Contributor:
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location:
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number:
1916.1723.b
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Context:
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.
Related Image Identifier Link:
CMA_.crossbow_group1.tif
