Targone for the "Giuoco del Ponte"

Date1776

Mediumwood, paint and iron

Dimensions21 × 108 cm (8 1/4 × 42 1/2 in.), 5 lb 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsBack of the targone is twice impressed with the monogram "ACN" (Arsenale Civico Nazionale) or "ANC," below which is the date "1776," the whole within a circular frame. An inscription on an octagonal, paper label at the tip inner face is illegible. A device of a fish is painted on the upper end of the face.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.772

Description1-piece board rounded at top, tapering in truncated point. Edges of obverse face deeply bevelled. Centered on back is an oblique pair of thick, "U"-shaped handles, each secured with thick iron nails. Surface beneath handles roughly hollowed out in order that handles could be grasped, 1 hand each, to parry & thrust. Sides & face are painted in colors of unknown squadron, possibly one of those raised in 1776. Sides medium green, flat face painted dull red, with losses later inpainted. Near the rounded top, face decorated with brown-painted device of fish facing dexter. Back painted in off-white sealer.
Label TextThe Giuoco del Ponte was a mock battle held annually in Pisa on the Ponte di Mezzo, a bridge crossing the Arno River, from the Middle Ages until 1807. Residents were divided into two teams based on where they lived in relation to the river, and grouped into squadrons within the teams. The object of the battle was to push the opposing team off the bridge within forty-five minutes. Participants used the targone as their only weapon, pushing their opponents with it as well as using it as a shield. Targoni were decorated in the colors of the owner’s squadron. These targoni come from one of the last contests, held in 1776.ProvenanceProbably from the Museo Civico, Pisa Mr. John Wanamaker, New York purchased by John W. Higgins from Mr. John Wanamaker, Inc., New York on February 13, 1929. Given to the Armory on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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