Crossbow and Cranequin of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
1548–1578
- Medium
- wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms, stock decorated wih inlaid trophies of arms
- Dimensions
- Bow: 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.); Butt: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.)
- Genre
- arms and armor
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Germany, Saxony, 16th century
About
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.