Cleveland Museum of Art

Small Sword

Jean-Baptiste Oudry

Date

c.1750–60

Medium

steel, gilt and russeted, copper, wood

Culture

France, Paris

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

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court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel. Although fully functional, this sword was used more for show—a perfect accessory for a fashionable gentleman having his portrait painted.

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