Sword Pommel with inset plaquette of Ariadne [affixed reverse of pommel] c. 15th century

This is a sword pommel with an inset plaquette made by Master IO.F.F. around the late 15th or early 16th century. It’s made of bronze, a material prized for its durability and ability to be cast into intricate shapes. The process of creating this pommel would have begun with the crafting of a mold, likely using a technique called lost-wax casting. Molten bronze would then be poured into the mold, allowed to cool, and the mold broken away. The plaquette shows the mythological figure of Ariadne. The creation of the pommel demonstrates not only the artist's technical skill but also his engagement with classical themes, meant to imbue the sword with a sense of prestige and authority. The choice of bronze is significant. Its warm color and substantial weight would have communicated the owner's status and taste. The pommel wasn't merely functional; it was a statement piece, reflecting the values and aspirations of its owner. The sword becomes an object of status, far beyond its use as a weapon.