Pair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la moda

Pair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la moda

Gabriel de Algora

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Algora was named gunmaker to King Fernando VI (1713–1759) in 1749, but hemay have worked for the royal family in Madrid for several years prior to this.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la modaPair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la modaPair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la modaPair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la modaPair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la moda

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.