Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)

Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)

Hans Wagner the Elder

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The lid is inlaid on its outside with scenes from the medieval story of Virgil the Sorcerer, intended as a humorous warning against the "wiles of women." Corresponding inlay on the inside shows a Fountain of Youth and Orpheus playing music to the animals, surrounded by an inscription based on a German drinking song. The maker, Hans Wagner, signed himself Pixenshifter, gunstock maker.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)

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.