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Crossbow of Count Ulrich V of Württemberg (1413-1480)

Crossbow of Count Ulrich V of Württemberg (1413-1480). Culture: German, probably Stuttgart. Dimensions: L. 28 1/16 in. (71.2 cm); W. 25 5/8 in. (65 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 9 oz. (2972 g). Maker: Attributed to Heinrich Heid von Winterthur (probably Swiss, active Stuttgart, recorded 1453-1460). Date: dated 1460. Dated 1460 in the carved staghorn decoration, this is the earliest known dated crossbow in existence. The staghorn is inscribed with the coats of arms of Württemberg and Savoy, referring to the owner, Count Ulrich V of Württemberg (1413-1480), and his third wife, Princess Marguerite of Savoy (1420-1479). Above the trigger is a German benediction rendered in Hebrew letters. This is a rare and early instance of Hebraic script on a personal item intended for a Christian patron. It can be translated as "Hold God dear and be high-hearted!" or "Hold God dear, high-hearted one!".
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Title:
Crossbow of Count Ulrich V of Württemberg (1413-1480)
Caption:
Crossbow of Count Ulrich V of Württemberg (1413-1480). Culture: German, probably Stuttgart. Dimensions: L. 28 1/16 in. (71.2 cm); W. 25 5/8 in. (65 cm); Wt. 6 lb. 9 oz. (2972 g). Maker: Attributed to Heinrich Heid von Winterthur (probably Swiss, active Stuttgart, recorded 1453-1460). Date: dated 1460. Dated 1460 in the carved staghorn decoration, this is the earliest known dated crossbow in existence. The staghorn is inscribed with the coats of arms of Württemberg and Savoy, referring to the owner, Count Ulrich V of Württemberg (1413-1480), and his third wife, Princess Marguerite of Savoy (1420-1479). Above the trigger is a German benediction rendered in Hebrew letters. This is a rare and early instance of Hebraic script on a personal item intended for a Christian patron. It can be translated as "Hold God dear and be high-hearted!" or "Hold God dear, high-hearted one!".
Technique/material:
Wood (European hornbeam), horn, animal sinew, staghorn, birch bark, iron alloy, copper alloy, pigment
Museum:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Maker:
Attributed to Heinrich Heid von Winterthur (probably Swiss, active Stuttgart, recorded 1453-1460)
Credit:
Album / Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
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Image size:
4322 x 3242 px | 40.1 MB
Print size:
36.6 x 27.4 cm | 14.4 x 10.8 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: