Radslotpistool c. 1650

These wheel lock pistols were made by Adolf Bosch, although it's difficult to say when, exactly. They are an example of a technology of violence, of course, but they are also beautifully ornamented, suggesting a concern for status and display on the part of the original owner. Wheel lock pistols like these were luxury items in the 16th and 17th centuries, used by wealthy individuals for self-defense, hunting, or military purposes. The Netherlands was an important center for the production of firearms at this time, driven by a rapidly expanding merchant class and frequent military conflict. The wheel lock mechanism itself was a relatively new invention, and was more expensive and complex than earlier matchlock firearms. Understanding the context in which these pistols were made is crucial to interpreting them. By examining historical records, military archives, and other sources, we can gain insight into the social, economic, and political factors that shaped their creation and use. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum, and its meaning is always contingent on its historical context.