Box For Crossbow Bolts (<i>Bolzenkasten</i>), Probably Made for William IV, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1508–50)

Hans Wagner the Elder

dated 1539 · Wood (lid and front panel: fruitwood, possibly pear; bottom: walnut; inlay: possibly sycamore; later repairs: mahogany moldings and Indian rosewood veneers on sides), staghorn, iron, gold, paste, paper · Arms and Armor

The lid is inlaid on its outside with scenes from the medieval story of Virgil the Sorcerer, intended as a humorous warning against the "wiles of women." Corresponding inlay on the inside shows a Fountain of Youth and Orpheus playing music to the animals, surrounded by an inscription based on a German drinking song. The maker, Hans Wagner, signed himself Pixenshifter, gunstock maker.

Artist

Hans Wagner the Elder

Date

dated 1539

Medium

Wood (lid and front panel: fruitwood, possibly pear; bottom: walnut; inlay: possibly sycamore; later repairs: mahogany moldings and Indian rosewood veneers on sides), staghorn, iron, gold, paste, paper

Culture

German, Munich

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Bashford Dean Bequest, 1969