Cleveland Museum of Art

Glaive (with Arms of Giustini Family)

Date

c. 1600–1620

Medium

steel, etched; wood haft

Culture

Italy, Venice

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

A glaive is a long staff weapon with a large cleaver or knife-like blade. The flat steel blade is conducive to ornamental decoration such as heraldic devices. The decorative nature of this weapon made it a favorite for ceremonial use. The large number of surviving glaives that are decorated with the arms of Venetian families indicate its popularity in the city of Venice.

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