Inked Impression (or "Pull") of Engraved Firearms Ornament 1840 - 1850

This delicate inked impression of a firearms ornament was created by Ernst Moritz, sometime in the 19th century. Born in Germany, Moritz worked in a period defined by the rise of industrialization and its profound impact on traditional crafts. Here, the dense ornamentation and figural depiction of a hunter amidst scrolling foliage signal the intersections of class, identity, and power. Gun ownership was often a symbol of status, inextricably linked to notions of masculinity, while hunting itself evoked traditional aristocratic pastimes in the face of the rise of capitalism. Consider how this inked impression provides a tactile sense of the artist's craft. This work presents a tension between handmade artistry and the mechanical function of firearms and leaves us to reflect on the complex relationship between ornamentation, violence, and social identity.