Cleveland Museum of Art

Crossbow and Cranequin of Elector Augustus I of Saxony

Date

c. 1553–73

Medium

wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms, stock decorated wih inlaid trophies of arms

Culture

Germany, Saxony, 16th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This crossbow was a hunting weapon for Prince Elector Augustus I, a member of the ruling elite in the Holy Roman Empire. Augustus, powerful and wealthy, had even the most practical instruments ornately decorated, including this crossbow and its cranequin, or winding device. Augustus was a marksman who took part in crossbow competitions. He had a large collection and often gave them to friends.

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