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.

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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

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