Object Image

Spear

Unknown Artist

Spears were a versatile tool for royal hunting expeditions, as demonstrated by their depiction in the paintings nearby. They were used while either on foot or on horseback, and could be thrust or thrown. Some spears were made of a single piece of iron or steel; others comprised a wooden shaft and steel spear head. Inlaid with gold, this example was intended to be both lethal and beautiful.

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

18th century
Steel, gold
128.3cm
32.75.292
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection