Small Crossbow (Schnepper), Probably for a Woman or Child

Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder

dated 1738 · Steel, wood (fruitwood, probably plum or cherry), staghorn, hemp, wool, gold, horn · Arms and Armor

Made by the court crossbow-maker to the dukes of Saxony, this crossbow has an elegant and finely engraved inlay that distinguishes it as a weapon of high quality intended for use at the court in Dresden or in one of the other nearby ducal residences. The theme of the decoration might suggest that it was used for hunting small game, but the delicate size of this crossbow indicates that it probably was used by a lady or a child for shooting competitions, some of which would have been held indoors.

Artist

Johann Gottfried Hänisch the Elder

Date

dated 1738

Medium

Steel, wood (fruitwood, probably plum or cherry), staghorn, hemp, wool, gold, horn

Culture

German, Dresden

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2011