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Small Sword
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
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court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel.
Cleveland Museum of Art’s own descriptionCredit lineSmall Sword, c.1750–60. After a design by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (French, 1686–1755). Steel, gilt and russeted, copper, wood; overall: 105.4 cm (41 1/2 in.); blade: 87.9 cm (34 5/8 in.); guard: 7.9 cm (3 1/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance, 1916.1094
