Art Institute of Chicago

Crossbow

German

Date

1730/50

Medium

Steel, fruitwood, staghorn, leather, and hemp

Culture

Germany

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Deadly accurate within a range of about 50 yards, the crossbow remained a popular hunting and target-shooting weapon long after the invention of firearms. Both nobility and common citizens joined crossbow guilds or societies that organized regular competitions. This crossbow decorated with a double-headed eagle is one of several that belong to such a group. It weighs over 21 lbs., representing the largest size used, and can shoot targets up to 70 yards out.

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