Title
Smallsword, c. 1730. Creator: Unknown.
Caption
Smallsword, c. 1730. During the 1700s, the small-sword emerged as a light, quick weapon. Like the rapier it was carried by unarmored civilians, the noblemen of the upper classes. Over time this delicate sword became more an accessory of male attire than a weapon essential to life and death. The sword hilt, which shows even when the blade is sheathed, became the ground for elaborate decoration. These small swords thus represent the final stage in the evolution of the sword, from the edged weapons of antiquity to the elegantly refined blades of the 1700s and 1800s.
Credit line
Photo12/Heritage Images/Heritage Art
Reference
HRM19G06_062
Model release
NA
Property release
NA
License type
Rights managed
Available size
42,7Mb (2,0Mb) / 10,0in x 16,7in / 2986 x 5000 (300dpi)