Design for a Sword Hilt, Scabbard, and Belt Fittings

Eugène Julienne

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is a rare example of an original mid-nineteenth century French design for an elaborate presentation sword in a historical revival style, including Renaissance and Neoclassical motifs. It is attributed to Eugène Julienne, a prolific designer of Sèvres porcelain from 1838 to 1848 and whose designs for jewelry, silver and a wide variety of ornament for the decorative arts were issued in an influential series of publications during his lifetime. Swords of this type were produced only as special commissions and often combined the skills of artists, cutlers, steel-chiselers, goldsmiths, and jewelers.

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