Sword Hilt 1881 - 1882

This sword hilt, by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, is made from gilded bronze. The choice of bronze, and its gilding, is significant. Bronze, while strong, is also relatively inexpensive compared to solid gold. This allowed for intricate sculptural details, such as the figures and foliage, to be realized at a scale that solid gold would have made prohibitive. The gilding gives the impression of opulence, fitting for a sword hilt, which is often a symbol of status and power. The hilt was likely made using the lost-wax casting method, a process that demands the work of skilled modelers and foundry workers. The chasing and gilding work would have also been done by highly trained artisans. So the hilt represents both the artist’s vision, and the labor of many hands. The sword hilt reflects the complex social and economic dynamics of its time, where industrial production methods and artistic craftsmanship were combined to create luxury objects for an elite clientele. It makes us think about the value we place on materials, skill, and the stories objects tell about power and class.