Mace
Iron, chiselled, damascened and gilded bronze
Electroplated shaft from the 19th century
France, circa 1560
Musée de l’Armée, Paris
Inv No. 3930 I; Cote K 59 ROB
The mace, truly effective in delivering blows in the Middle Ages, became a symbol of authority in the modern period (like a commander’s baton). Although we don’t know who it belonged to, it must have been made for festivities organised by the French Court. The gilded and chiselled bronze drum is punctuated with Medusa masks executed in the French Mannerism style.