Smallsword 1755 - 1810

This smallsword, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, was crafted by James Morisset, a London-based goldsmith, sometime before his death in 1815. It speaks volumes about the social rituals and ideals of its time. Note the sword's elaborate ornamentation, with classical figures worked into the hilt. Images of classical antiquity were favored in Britain because they were seen to represent the ideals of civilized society. The sword embodies a paradox of the Georgian era: a celebration of both martial prowess and cultured refinement. During this period, swords were worn as a fashion accessory and a symbol of status among gentlemen, a visual shorthand for their honor and social standing. By studying objects like this sword, along with period literature, fashion plates, and social histories, we gain insight into the values of the individuals who commissioned and carried them. Such objects open a window into the past, revealing the complex interplay between social norms, personal identity, and artistic expression.