Architecture & Design
€ 540
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Both prints are in very good condition, with vivid colors and clean margins. Minor signs of age-toning and light foxing are present, consistent with the lithographs' historical character.
19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph Compilation of Ornate Medieval Polearms
This carefully curated compilation of two hand-coloured lithographs presents a stunning variety of medieval polearms, showcasing the craftsmanship and functionality of weaponry used during the Middle Ages. The prints are part of the 1842 publication *Der Rittersaal: Eine Geschichte des Ritterthums*, a remarkable work by Friedrich Martin von Reibisch and Dr. Franz Kottenkamp that celebrates the artistry and history of chivalric warfare.
The left panel features polearms with unique and highly functional designs, including broad axe blades, pronged hooks, and pointed spearheads. Each weapon is adorned with details that reveal the ingenuity of medieval blacksmiths, such as flared blades for grappling and ornate metalwork for ceremonial use.
The right panel expands on this theme with an additional series of polearms, each carefully designed to serve multiple battlefield purposes, such as piercing, chopping, and disarming opponents. The slender wooden shafts and sharply defined steel tips are rendered with remarkable precision, while the hand-applied colours enhance the visual appeal of the weapons.
Condition: Both prints are in excellent condition, with vibrant hand-colouring, clear lines, and light age-related toning that adds character without diminishing their appeal. The overall presentation remains sharp and clean.
These lithographs are perfect for collectors of medieval arms, military history, or historical art. The combination of aesthetic beauty and technical accuracy makes this compilation a striking addition to any gallery, study, or curated collection celebrating medieval craftsmanship and weaponry.
