Light Crossbow (Schnepper) from the Armory of Sedlitz Palace

Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This light crossbow belongs to a series of nearly identical weapons––once numbering 24––from Sedlitz Palace near Dresden, a residence of the dukes of Saxony. Duke Friedrich August I "the Strong" (1670–1733) and his son Friedrich Augustus II (1696–1763) also ruled as Kings of Poland from 1697 to 1763. Shooting competitions with guns and crossbows took place during congregations of the Polish chivalric Order of the White Eagle, which had its official seat at the palace. Made by the ducal court crossbow-maker in Dresden, the elaborate decoration of this weapon reflects the high esteem in which the art of crossbow-making was held at thee court during the eighteenth century.

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