Double-Barreled Flintlock Shotgun 1809

This double-barreled flintlock shotgun was crafted by François Pirmet, who lived between 1779 and 1854. The piece consists of a long, linear barrel contrasted against the curved, ornate stock. This tension creates a captivating visual dichotomy. The metallic sheen of the barrel, juxtaposed with the dark, polished wood, speaks volumes about the era's material culture and technological advancements. The linear form of the barrel extends dramatically, almost like a drawn line in space, emphasizing its function while the elaborate engravings on the stock hint at a blurring of utility and artistry. How does this object destabilize our understanding of art and function? Is it merely a tool, or does it transcend its utilitarian purpose through its aesthetic design? This shotgun challenges fixed meanings. The flintlock prompts us to consider how objects of violence can also be objects of beauty, embodying complex cultural and philosophical contradictions.