Targone for the "Giuoco del Ponte"

Date1776

Mediumwood, paint and iron

Dimensions22.2 × 108 cm (8 3/4 × 42 1/2 in.), 5 lb, 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsMonogram "ACN" (Arsenale Civico Nazionale) or "ANC" is found impressed to the right and above the hollowed-out area. There is an octangonal, faded paper label centered to the top edge.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.775

DescriptionFormed of 1-piece, flat board which is rounded at top & tapers to truncated point. Edges of obverse face are deeply bevelled. Centered on back is an oblique pair of thick, "U"-shaped handles, each secured with pair of thick iron nails. Surface beneath handles is roughly hollowed out in order that handles could be grasped, 1 hand each, to parry & thrust. Obverse face & sides are painted in an alternating paly-bendy pattern of white & royal blue. It should be noted that unlike other targoni in the collection, the colored pigment is soluble in saliva which could indicate a later date.
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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