Art Institute of Chicago

Poleax

Western European, probably Italian

Date

c.1470—c.1520

Medium

Steel and oak

Culture

Italy

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The poleax—so named whether it has an ax- or hammerhead—was designed to smash, break, or pierce through armor. It could be mounted either with a long or short staff. It was used in infantry battle, knightly tournaments, and judicial combat. The sharp hook, pronged hammerhead, and point on this poleax suggest it was intended for lethal purposes.

The authoritative record is held by Art Institute of Chicago. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.