Halberd
1620/50
Medium
Steel, iron, and wood
Dimensions
H.: 214.6 cm (84 1/2 in.); Blade: H.: 47.5 cm (18 3/4 in.)
Classification
edged weapon-staff
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
106519
Art Historical Context
Step into the armorers' workshops of 17th-century Europe with this striking halberd, a masterful example of applied arts from around 1620–1650. Standing an impressive 214.6 cm tall, with a formidable 47.5 cm steel blade combining axe, spike, and thrusting point, this edged staff weapon exemplifies the fusion of lethal function and skilled craftsmanship. Forged from steel and iron, with a sturdy wooden shaft, it reflects the era's advanced metallurgical techniques, where blades were meticulously hammered, tempered, and often etched for both strength and subtle decoration. Halberds like this on...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...