Pair of pistols and a bullet associated with the death of William Frederick of Nassau, Stadtholder of Friesland by Anonymous

Pair of pistols and a bullet associated with the death of William Frederick of Nassau, Stadtholder of Friesland c. 1650

silver, metal, wood

silver

baroque

metal

sculpture

wood

history-painting

This pair of pistols and a bullet, dating back to around 1650, are associated with the death of William Frederick of Nassau, Stadtholder of Friesland. The pistols, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, are a poignant reminder of a historical tragedy. Though the artist remains anonymous, the meticulous craftsmanship of the weapons and the historical context they represent offer a glimpse into the 17th century world of warfare and its impact on individuals. The pistols' intricate details and the bullet's presence underscore the deadly nature of the time and the lasting legacy of this historical event.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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When Stadtholder William Frederick inspected one of these pistols on 24 October 1664, the weapon accidentally fired, fatally wounding him in the face. The bullet displayed here was found in the other pistol. Although these objects do not tell a very heroic tale, they were nevertheless accorded a place in the collection of the Frisian stadtholders.