France, Paris / c.1750–60
Small Sword
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Small Sword as arms and armor (France, Paris · c.1750–60).
Although fully functional, this sword was used more for show—a perfect accessory for a fashionable gentleman having his portrait painted.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel, gilt and russeted, copper, wood and credits Jean-Baptiste Oudry (French, 1686–1755).
The museum's collection notes: The hilt, pommel, and guard of this sword are richly chiseled in low relief against a stippled gold background with animals (dogs, a stag, ducks) that appear to be adapted from paintings by Jean-Baptiste Oudry (1686–1775). An elegant court sword such as this was an important accessory to a gentleman's attire, yet remained functional—it could be withdrawn for an impromptu duel.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtSmall SwordOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.