Design for a Percussion Pistol

Martin Riester

dated 1850 · Pen, ink, and pencil on paper · Arms and Armor

A talented draftsman and engraver, Riester designed ornament for many types of decorative objects, including jewelry, wall paper, glassware, book bindings, and elaborate firearms. Lavishly decorated guns, like that seen in this drawing, were made to showcase the talents of designers and gunsmiths at the great international exhibitions of arts, crafts, and industry that were held in Paris and London, such as the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851.

Artist

Martin Riester

Date

dated 1850

Medium

Pen, ink, and pencil on paper

Culture

French, Paris

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, James C. Meade Gift, 2012