Dertien ontwerpen voor zwaard- en dolkhandvatten before 1724

This engraving shows designs for sword and dagger hilts. It was made by Christian Engelbrecht, and while the exact date isn't known, its style places it firmly in the 18th century. The level of detail suggests that these handles were intended to be crafted from precious metals, perhaps even set with jewels. Notice the contrast between the smooth, rounded forms and the intricate surface articulation. This would have required a high degree of skill on the part of the silversmith or goldsmith. Consider the social context: swords at this time were increasingly symbols of status, rather than battlefield weapons. So the elaborate decoration speaks to a culture of conspicuous consumption, where even instruments of violence could be transformed into luxury objects. We might see this print as part of a broader visual culture, fueling the demand for exquisitely crafted goods among the elite. The artist Engelbrecht, in turn, became a vital part of that economy.