Art Institute of Chicago

Halberd

Flemish

Date

1620/50

Medium

Steel, iron, and wood

Culture

Flanders

Department

Applied Arts of Europe

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Compared with the rugged pole arms of the previous century, used to pull down horsemen, this halberd is more delicate. The ax-head is little more than a crescent shape, and the pierced fluke or hook is mostly ornamental. Still, the central point remains a functional blade. Military officers would have used halberds like this to lead and press their men into formation.

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