Weapons as works of Art

Until the 15th century, weapons used for hunting were little different than those used in war. Indeed a major reason for members of the nobility to pursue large game, such as wild boar on horseback, was in order to become familiar with the threat of injury or death in the face of real danger and thus prepare them for war.

From the 15th century onwards, however, it became more common to decorate weapons used in hunting, to demonstrate the wealth and status of their owner. This developed further later, as hunting itself became a major social and courtly pursuit.

Notable objects located in this gallery


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Scary Horned Helmet

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The whole truth

The phrase "Lock, stock and barrel" refers to something in its entirety, the whole thing – in the same way that a complete gun has a lock, a stock and a barrel.

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