Venetian Sword Pommel "Schiavona" or Investiture Sword, in forged iron, 1470-1520

Extraordinary Venetian Sword Pommel "Schiavona", or Investiture Sword, made between 1480 and 1520, in forged iron, sculpted in high relief and gilded on all its engraved parts, which belonged to an important Lordship of the Serenissima.

The Pomo, trapezoidal in shape, is made up of two main facades with accentuated convexity, on one of which there is a sculpture chiseled in bas-relief in the center inside an oval on a golden background, it is identified as the figure of Athena, the Greek goddess of Wisdom, Arts and Military Strategies.

The figurative artistic expression of the elements present on the pommel undoubtedly indicates that the sword was commissioned by a high Venetian lordship of the 1400s who wanted a part of it to symbolize the most emblematic mythological figure of Greece: it is widely ascertained in fact that in this historical period Venice was significantly influenced by the Hellenic and Middle Eastern artistic trend, mainly due to the large commercial exchanges achieved with the main sea ports of the Aegean where, among other things, even the most sought-after oriental merchandise flowed.

The rich engraved and gilded floral decorations on the pommel perfectly reflect the typical dictates of the clothing of the Doges at the head of the Republic of Venice who reigned from the 14th and 16th centuries. In fact, also thanks to paintings of the time, it can be observed how above all the Doges, but also Knights, Lordships and Patricians, wore weapons and clothes, dog horns, cloaks and gold damask togas, perfectly visible in the creation of this pommel.

Shape and workmanship place it as a typical Venetian-style apple, made between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Dimensions:

Height: 5cm

Width: 4.85cm

Thickness: 2.3cm

Weight: 212 grams

Reference:
Victoria & Albert Museum (London) "Pommel" Accession Number 6978-1860.

Bibliography:
Armoury of the Ducal Palace in Venice U. Franzoi.
Arms and Armor Museum Poldi Pezzoli Domenico Collura.
The armory of the castle of Monselice Blacks Pozza publisher.
For Homen 's arms and grouper Stradioti The collection of' ancient weapons of the Museum Bottacin Callegher Bruno.