Mace

Unknown

ca. 1575 to 1600 · Steel, gold · Arms and Armor

The large steel head of this mace is composed of seven triangular flanges etched overall with trophies and scattered elements of armor on a dotted background; the spaces between the flanges are filled with twisted strapwork. The steel cylindrical shaft is hollow, its etched decoration en suite is arranged in four lengthwise bands, the spiral grip also etched en suite. The shaft is pierced just above the grip for a wrist strap. The decoration on this fully gilded mace is in the same style as on an armor in the Metropolitan Museum's collection (acc. no. 14.25.717a–r). Maces became increasingly popular during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries––a parallel to the use of the war hammer––due to the ineffectiveness of edged weapons against fully developed plate armor. Though the blow of a mace could not penetrate the armor plates, it might be enough to stun or disable an opponent. Maces were used by cavalrymen, and even became a badge of rank, as was certainly the case with this example.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1575 to 1600

Medium

Steel, gold

Culture

Italian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932