Plusievrs Pieces et Ornements Darquebuzerie (4th extended edition)

Claude Simonin

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The prints in this pattern book were among the most influential means by which the French fashion of firearms ornament spread throughout Europe and remained the leading style from the late seventeenth century through to the late eighteenth century. The initial eight-plate edition, by the engraver Claude Simonin (deceased by 1693), was published in 1684 and reissued in 1685. The Parisian gunmaker Laurent le Languedoc issued editions with eight and thirteen plates, including designs by the engraver De Lacollombe (active about 1702–1736), in 1705. The three plates shown here are from the expanded edition produced by the engraver Gilles-Antoine Demarteau (1756–1802) in about 1776. The noted arms historian Dr. James D. Lavin acquired this pattern book in Spain in the 1960s. It is annotated in Spanish and shows clears signs of use in an active workshop.

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