Ontwerpen voor gevesten van zwaarden 1738 - 1749

These are designs for sword hilts, rendered around 1725 by Gabriel Huquier, using etching. The fine lines of the print allow us to appreciate the texture and weight implied by the designs. They appear to be wrought from precious metals, probably gold, for presentation as wedding gifts to the French King. Notice the careful attention to detail, from the filigree of the hand guard, to the finial atop the hilt itself. These are more than mere weapons. The labor involved in crafting such intricate objects elevates them to symbols of power and status. Huquier’s print preserves the artistry of the goldsmith’s work and demonstrates the sophisticated blend of craft and design demanded by elite patrons. The print itself would have circulated as a kind of advertisement, a calling card of the artist’s skill.