Pair of Pistols with Flintlocks a la moda 1710 - 1765

These are a pair of flintlock pistols made by Gabriel de Algora in Spain, sometime before 1761. They are ornamented in the style of ‘a la moda’ which literally translates to ‘in fashion’. These pistols capture a moment of extreme global transformation and violence. In the 18th century, firearms like these were not merely weapons, but symbols of power and status. The elaborate decoration on these pistols, from the intricate silver inlay to the meticulously carved stocks, speaks to the wealth and status of their owner. But this luxury came at a steep price, built on the backs of enslaved peoples and the exploitation of colonized lands. We can look at these objects and reflect on how intertwined artistry, power, and exploitation were in shaping the world we inhabit today. They embody how personal identity can be deeply embedded within broader systems of injustice.