Vuursteenjachtgeweer 1770 - 1780

This flintlock hunting rifle was made by Johan George Ertel, likely in the mid-18th century, from wood, iron, and brass. The long barrel has been carefully wrought from iron, a material forged in fire, and a technology that has shaped human history. But notice, also, the beautifully carved wooden stock. The maker has clearly lavished attention on the rifle, integrating the abstractly sculptural qualities with the weapon’s functionality. Hunting was a sport associated with elites, so it follows that rifles would be decorated to reflect the owner’s status. While firearms are primarily associated with violence, they are also examples of incredible material ingenuity and craftsmanship. Ertel’s rifle bridges the gap between warfare, design, and the decorative arts. It offers a reminder that even weapons can be aestheticized, and that fine workmanship can be found in the most unexpected places.