Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
c. 1553–73
Maker Unknown
Medieval Art
Crossbow of Elector Augustus I of Saxony, c. 1553–73. Germany, Saxony, 16th century. Wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms, stock decorated wih inlaid trophies of arms; overall: 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.); bow: 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.); butt: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1723.a This crossbow was a hunting weapon for Prince Elector Augustus I, a member of the ruling elite in the Holy Roman Empire. Augustus, powerful and wealthy, had even the most practical instruments ornately decorated, including this crossbow and its cranequin, or winding device. Augustus was a marksman who took part in crossbow competitions. He had a large collection and often gave them to friends.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Arms and Armor
- Formatted Medium
- wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms, stock decorated wih inlaid trophies of arms
- Medium
- wood, walnut, bone, veneers, flax, cord, steel, etched, traces, gilding, woolen, pompoms, stock, decorated, wih, inlaid, trophies, arms
- Dimensions
- Overall: 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.); Bow: 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.); Butt: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.)
- Departments
- Medieval Art
- Accession Number
- 1916.1723.a
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
- Exhibitions
- Armor Court Reinstallation, Sacred Gifts and Worldly Treasures: Medieval Masterworks from the Cleveland Museum of Art, <em>Master Goldsmiths of the Renaissance: Their Models and Designs</em>, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (November 2, 1982-March 20, 1983)., <em>The Forge of Vulcan: European Arms and Armor,</em> Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (November 30, 1992-May 30, 1993).
- Rights Statement
- CC0
- Museum Location
- 210A Armor Court
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