Hamervormig fragment van ijzer. c. 1590 - 1596

"Hamervormig fragment van ijzer." is a small, fragmented iron sculpture, dated to between c. 1590 and 1596, housed in the Rijksmuseum. The sculpture is an abstract, stylized depiction of a hammer, or perhaps a weapon, and demonstrates the artistry of the anonymous Dutch artist. This piece is an important example of Dutch sculpture from the late 16th century, representing the craftsmanship and innovation of the period. The sculpture's rough texture and fragmented form suggests a raw, unpolished aesthetic, a characteristic often seen in Dutch sculpture of this time.