So, Lucas Cranach owned a messer... -- myArmoury.com

Elnathan Barnett

I was looking through Cranach the Elder's pictures on Google when I ran across a picture of Judith with a rather interesting sword. Further research shows that there are at least three different similar pictures, all with what looks like the same straight, single edged blade and rather elaborate hilt, though the details are slightly different. I think I have seen a two-handed messer or two that was straight with a rounded tip, but this is the first single-handed one I can remember. There is not a whole lot of information on these pictures on the websites from which I got them, but all seem to have been the work of Cranach the Younger around 1530. Anyone have more information?

I don't seem to be able to attach one of the three, sorry. It is the least detailed, however, and if you want to see it it you can follow the wikipedia link below.

Sources:
http://www.backtoclassics.com/gallery/lucasth...olofernes/
http://www.backtoclassics.com/gallery/lucasth...ictorious/
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lucas_...4._022.jpg

Scott Woodruff · Posted: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 6:52 pm Post subject:

I have not seen anything quite like that before. Very cool, thank you for posting the wonderful pics.

David Teague · Posted: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 7:31 pm Post subject:

Other than he had a" thang" for pretty women with severed heads... No

Sam N. · Posted: Thu 03 Feb, 2011 9:24 pm Post subject:

The blades on them with rounded points remind me of executioners' swords, but the hilts are definitely messer-ish. It could simply be a fantasy sword as well, either being made up in Cranach's head or else a specifically showy prop in his studio.

Lafayette C Curtis · Posted: Tue 08 Mar, 2011 7:00 am Post subject:

This discussion reminds me somewhat of an earlier one:

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...ght=judith

JE Sarge · Industry Professional

It don't really fit the profile of an executioner or later judicial sword. To me, it looks like a German hunting sword:

...paired with with a Katzbalger-like blade:

Granted, the single-edge is very interesting there. I've never seen anything like it.

Phil D. · Posted: Tue 08 Mar, 2011 11:47 am Post subject:

The hilts shown in the paintings are very similar to a mid 1500's falchion that is pictured in an old book that I own.If I remember correctly the falchion was in Waffensammlung ,Vienna.I will try and find the book so that I make forward a pic.