Degengevesten 1721 - 1756

This print, "Degengevesten," was made by an anonymous artist, and it depicts ornate sword hilts. Prints like this circulated widely in the 17th and 18th centuries, spreading new styles and influencing craftsmen. Here, we see designs for elaborate swept-hilt rapiers. These weapons were potent status symbols, embodying martial prowess and aristocratic identity. The complex, curvilinear forms reflect the Baroque aesthetic then dominating European courts. Note the delicate floral motifs and elaborate scrollwork – ornament elevating the sword from mere weapon to art object. Produced in the Netherlands, this print speaks to the country’s significant role in the arms trade and its vibrant artistic culture. Studying prints like this, along with guild records, inventories, and period treatises, helps us understand the intricate interplay between art, commerce, and social status in early modern Europe.