Hunting Sword

Hans Sumersperger

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Designed as a defense against large game, such as bear and boar, swords of this type were also worn as civilian sidearms. This example is related in form and decoration to two hunting swords made for Emperor Maximilian I by Hans Sumersperger and therefore may have been intended for a member of the imperial court.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art