Glaive (with Arms of Giustini Family)

c. 1600–1620

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

A glaive is a long staff weapon with a large cleaver or knife-like blade. The flat steel blade is conducive to ornamental decoration such as heraldic devices. The decorative nature of this weapon made it a favorite for ceremonial use.

Show lessRead more

Download this artwork (provided by The Cleveland Museum of Art).

Learn more about this artwork.

Details

Title: Glaive (with Arms of Giustini Family)
Date Created: c. 1600–1620
Physical Dimensions: Overall: 184.5 cm (72 5/8 in.); Blade: 15.2 cm (6 in.)
Provenance: 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/1916.1532
Medium: steel, etched; wood haft
Fun Fact: The large number of surviving glaives that are decorated with the arms of Venetian families indicate its popularity in the city of Venice.
Department: Medieval Art
Culture: Italy, Venice, 17th century
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Collection: MED - Arms & Armor
Accession Number: 1916.1532

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Zoom in

Blade Etching Iron Metal Shooting Steel Wood

Interested in Food?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

No, thanks

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.