Warrior Queens: Caterina Sforza

Sword, mid-to late 19th century, in the style of the 15th century, Italian, Bronze, mercury, gold, horn, copper, L. 35 1/4 in. (89.5 cm); L. of blade 27 1/2 in. (70 cm); W. 7 5/8 in. (19.5 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 15 oz. (1332.4 g), Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/29006 

An arming sword is a pointed, straight, double-sided sword with a single-handed hilt. This design was popular during the 14th and 15th centuries, typically used with a shield. An arming sword would be made of steel or iron, averaging 28 to 31 inches in length. The hilt would be made of wood wrapped in either leather or sometimes wire wrapping, and a knot-like structure or cap at the end that would balance the blade. Swords that were of higher quality also would use bone and/or ivory for decoration. These swords would be used for close-quarter combat by those who partook in combat such as soldiers and knights. This weapon was an essential piece for anyone involved in combat. Given Caterina’s mastery of the blade, choosing the sword for a close-quarter battle would be a solid strategic choice. (Monami Brierly, 2025)  

Couleurs, 1490-1500, Italy, Steel, bronze, brass, L. 40.6 cm; L. of blade 27 cm; W. 7.1 cm; Wt. 500 g, 1877, Arts and History Museum of Geneva, https://www.mahmah.ch/collection/oeuvres/cinquedea/001877   

Several different types of daggers existed during the Italian Renaissance such as the stiletto dagger, well-known for its use for political assassinations, the cinquedea dagger, and the pugnale dagger. Each type of dagger had its unique design, differing in shape, length, and differences in some materials. The stiletto dagger is long and slender with a needle-like point, typically made of steel and the hilt is made from bone, wood, or ivory. The cinquedea dagger, also called the short sword, has a broad flat blade with a triangular shape and rounded point. These types of daggers were also made of steel with a hilt made of either wood, bone, or ivory. Some also had elaborate designs made from gold or silver. Lastly, the pugnale dagger was typically a short and broad, double-edged blade using materials similar to the other two daggers. These daggers were typically used for close combat, including assassinations and personal defense. Due to the smaller size, a dagger is easy to carry around and conceal when needed. In situations where larger weapons such as swords and spears are impractical, the dagger may be a great choice for self-defense or use in confined spaces. Outside of its use as a weapon, it can also be used for everyday tasks such as cutting food or other materials giving it several more functions outside of combat. (Monami Brierly, 2025)       

Shield, ca. 1380-1450, Florence, Wood, gesso, leather, gold leaf, gilding, modelling, L. 111.8 cm; W. 55.9 cm, Medieval & Renaissance, Room 4, The Wolfson Gallery, https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O92978/shield-unknown/    

Several different types of shields were used during the Italian Renaissance including the round shield, kite shield, and pavise shield just to name a few. Each shield had its unique shape and was used in different situations. The round shield was circular in shape, typically made of wood with metal edges. Some were also covered in leather. These were used in more close-combat situations. The kite shield on the other hand was a long shield with a rounded top and a pointed bottom. This shield was also made up of the same three materials, typically large enough to cover the entire body. The pavise shield was also large and intended to cover the entire body, using the same materials as the previous two shields. The shape would vary between a rectangular shape and a curved shape. This shield was meant for stationary defenses. All of these types of shields would often also be decorated with things such as the user's family crest or religious symbols. A shield could be useful in both defense and combat since it can be used to block attacks and shoving and striking an enemy. Depending on the type of shield, it can also be used in other ways, such as forming a defensive wall. Overall, a shield provides basic protection that is affordable for most, if not all. (Monami Brierly, 2025)    

Armor in the style of the 15th century, ca. 1450 and ca.1850, Italian, Steel, leather, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/22003

Plate armor primarily consisted of steel and iron. Brass and bronze would be used for the joints and other areas such as for decorative elements and leather and fabric lining was used for the padding. Plate armor consisted of the helmet, chest, arm and shoulder, hand, thigh, leg, and shin armor, and was used by those involved in combat. Plate armor would give significant protection to the wearer, reducing the chances of injury. By having full-body coverage, it was much harder to find a weak point compared to armor that only covered parts of the body. The armor was also great in deflecting attacks due to its rounded design. (Monami Brierly, 2025)

Armor in the style of the 15th century, ca. 1450 and ca.1850, Italian, Steel, leather, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/22003