Design for a Sword or Dagger Handle 1592 - 1593

This design for a sword or dagger handle was created by Theodor de Bry, likely in the late 16th century, and rendered with etching on paper. Rather than being an object in itself, this is a template for production. Note the profuse ornament, symmetrical and densely packed. This kind of surface was often achieved by metalworkers through laborious techniques like chasing and engraving. De Bry’s etching gives us a good sense of the intended final product. The relatively small size of the sheet speaks to its function as a portable model, perhaps for circulation among workshops. This brings up an important point: the flow of designs was essential to early modern craft production. The image anticipates and even guides future labor. By appreciating this design, we can reflect on how the act of making extends beyond the workshop, encompassing the crucial role of preparatory drawings and prints. This challenges conventional distinctions between design and execution, and between art and craft.