Crossbow
1730–1750
- Medium
- Steel, fruitwood, staghorn, leather, and hemp
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 73.7 × 88.3 cm (4 1/2 × 29 × 34 3/4 in.)
- Genre
- Crossbow
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
Tags
arms and armorarmscrossbow
About
Deadly accurate within a range of about 50 yards, the crossbow remained a popular hunting and target-shooting weapon long after the invention of firearms. Both nobility and common citizens joined crossbow guilds or societies that organized regular competitions. This crossbow decorated with a double-headed eagle is one of several that belong to such a group. It weighs over 21 lbs., representing the largest size used, and can shoot targets up to 70 yards out.