Bodyguard Glaive

Culture Italian , Venice

Dateearly 1700s

Mediumchased and engraved steel with brass, wood, velvet and wool

Dimensions114 5/8 in. x 42.5 cm (9 9/16 ft, 16 3/4 in.)
Weight: 18 lb., 288 oz

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.123

DescriptionSteel. Very large highly ornamented single edge blade curving to acute point. Flat back edge with decorative projection pierced to resemble an addorsed pair of lions rampant on either side of leaved projection with addorsed griffin heads. Base of blade with addorsed pair of hippocampus torsos. Both faces symmetrically decorated with crown, figure of Fame, military trophies, angel and grotesque devices amidst foliation. Blade fits int faceted socket, itself mounted into beveled rectangular knop atop beveled rectangular socket. Fitted onto velvet-covered octagonal section wooden staff with domed and conical brass tacks overall and pair of red tassels.
Label TextAs staff weapons lost their importance on the battlefield, their design evolved to emphasize appearance over function. This pair of oversized glaives were used by the household guards of one of the aristocratic families of Venice. Completely useless for fighting, they are designed only to impress.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on January 31, 1933 from Theodore Offerman (NYC). He purchased lot #498 at the Morosini sale, American Art Association (NYC) on October 10, 1932 which included the fauchard. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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