Romantic Revival Decorative Dagger With Female Figure And Grotesque Motif, 19th Century

Romantic Revival Decorative Dagger with Female Figure and Grotesque Motif, 19th Century.

A 19th-century Romantic Revival decorative dagger, with the hilt cast as a female figure in flowing drapery. The scabbard is richly decorated in relief with scrolling foliage and a grotesque devil-like figure.

The design reflects the historicist and imaginative taste of the Romantic period, when medieval, Renaissance and fantastical motifs were often reinterpreted in decorative objects. The piece was probably intended as a cabinet object or decorative dagger rather than as a practical weapon.

Origin:
Probably France.

Period:
19th century.

Style:
Romantic Revival, historicist.

Material:
Bronze or patinated metal.

Decoration:
Hilt cast as a female figure; scabbard with scrolling foliage and grotesque devil-like motif in relief.

Dimensions:
Total length: 24.3 cm.

Weight:
Not provided.

Condition:
Age-related wear, patina and surface marks. The condition is shown in the photographs.