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Crossbow and Cranequin of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
c. 1553–73
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States
This crossbow was a hunting weapon for Prince Elector Augustus I, a member of the ruling elite in the Holy Roman Empire. Augustus, powerful and wealthy, had even the most practical instruments ornately decorated, including this crossbow and its cranequin, or winding device.
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Details
- Title: Crossbow and Cranequin of Elector Augustus I of Saxony
- Date Created: c. 1553–73
- Physical Dimensions: Bow: 58.5 cm (23 1/16 in.); Butt: 5.7 cm (2 1/4 in.)
- Provenance: Richard Zschille (1847-1903), Leipzig, Germany, Frank Gair Macomber (1849-1941), Boston, MA, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Type: Arms and Armor
- Rights: CC0
- External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1916.1723
- Medium: wood (walnut?), bone veneers, flax cord, steel (etched, traces of gilding). woolen pompoms, stock decorated wih inlaid trophies of arms
- Fun Fact: Augustus was a marksman who took part in crossbow competitions. He had a large collection and often gave them to friends.
- Department: Medieval Art
- Culture: Germany, Saxony, 16th century
- Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
- Collection: MED - Arms & Armor
- Accession Number: 1916.1723
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