Degen met zilveren gevest en schede 1783 - 1790

This is a dress sword with a silver hilt and sheath, made by Johannes Roelvink. The sword speaks to the aristocratic culture of the 17th and 18th centuries. During this period, swords transitioned from battlefield weapons to symbols of status. The elaborate silverwork on this sword signifies the owner's wealth and position. The sword is not just a tool, but a fashion statement. Consider the social rituals associated with swords: formal occasions, military ranks, and even duels. These practices reinforced social hierarchies, with the sword serving as a visible marker of power. Who owned this sword, and what role did it play in their life? What does it tell us about the values of that society? Museums can help us understand this history by preserving and contextualizing objects like this sword. Art historical research, including the study of fashion, social customs, and even military history, can enrich our understanding of this object and its time.