Vierloops vuursteendraailoopzakpistooltje c. 1660 - 1670

This four-barreled flintlock pistol was made by Cornelis Coster, though its exact date of creation remains unknown. The abundance of its decoration is not unusual, but speaks to the changing relationship between art and war. Consider for a moment the European context in which firearms were developed and refined. What began as an instrument of brutal force became, over time, an object of elevated craftsmanship. Ornamentation of this kind may seem jarring today, but during the early modern period, elaborate decoration was not uncommon, even on weapons designed for violence. To understand the paradox of art and war, it is helpful to explore archival sources, trade records, and other historical documentation. It is important to reflect on the social and institutional conditions that shaped its creation. By examining the object in its historical context, we can gain insights into its deeper meanings and significance.